Storyboard For Our Preliminary Task

For this task we had to create a storyboard for our preliminary task, the task involved a subject crossing a pathway, sitting down on a chair opposite the other subject, with whom start to engage in a conversation. The task should demonstrate three key video skills which are; match on action shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule. In this task I'm gonna be describing what is happening in each picture and what effect each angle and effect will have on the audience. The male subject is 'subject a' and the female subject is 'subject b'



 1.  

In the first scene, the subject a was on his phone - unaware of the subject b coming towards him in the distance. In this image a mid long shot has been used. We have decided to use a mid long shot as it gives the audience more information about the subject in question, i.e what he is wearing, what he is doing etc.

2&3.

 

In these scenes, subject b is walking up some steps, notice that there is a close up of subject B's shoes showing that she is getting closer to  subject a. Subject a looks happy to see subject b - judging by his facial expressions. In these scenes a long shot has been used. We have decided to use a long shot as it shows the whole of subject b, because a lot of the background is shown in these pictures it could seem that the subject b is vulnerable.








4&5.

 
In these scenes we can see that subject b has reached the top of the steps and that subject a has now noticed her presence. In these scenes we decided to use a long shot as it shows both the subjects and shows that at this point the audience can now establish that a conversation is going to start between subject a and subject b and shows how far away subject b is from subject a.










6.

In this scene, we can see that subject a is leaving the bench to go and greet subject b. In this scene we have only included the lower part of the body on subject a to focus on the movement and transition from subject a sitting down to standing up to go and greet subject b.







7&8

These two scenes just simply show subject a and b putting their arms around each other. The aim of these two scenes is to show a sense of closeness and affection between subject a and b showing to the audience that they are very good friends.













9. 

In this scene we have used the film technique 'match on action'. This means that we have focused we have focused on a certain part of something that was shown in the previous scene. In this case we have decided to focus on subject B's face, as both the subjects hug - we have decided to do this as it is showing how happy subject b is to see subject a, this adds a sense of intimacy.






10.

Within this scene we can see subject A's hand leaning over to subject b - guiding her over to the table to sit down. In this shot we have used a long shot to capture both the subjects and their surroundings and also to show their transition from hugging to now, sitting down.









11.
In the scene an over the shoulder shot has been used. This shot has been used as it shows both subject a and b sitting down and it makes it look like the audience is right there - looking over the subjects shoulders.










12.

In this scene we can now see that both subject a and subject b are sitting down. We can see that in this scene the camera is positioned at a slightly low angle, this allows the audience to view both subject a and b as they are sat on both sides of the bench and by the audience is able to tell that both subjects seem to be having an enjoyable time - judging by their facial expressions.







13&14.

In these two scenes, we can see that a close up of the subjects hands is shown. This has been shown to let the audience see the finer human details and the more slight movements between the two subjects, we can see that in the second scene that a birds-eye view shot has been used. This has been used to show the subjects from a greater distance away and to make it look as if the audience is looking down on them.









15&16


In these two scenes we can see two different techniques that have been used, shot/reverse shot and 180 degree rule. We have decided to use both of these techniques as it retains continuity by not distorting the audience's sense of location of the characters in the shots, i.e by not making the audience confused. This shot also makes it look like the audience is part of the conversation as it shows the subjects conversation happening from both of the characters perspectives.










17&18.





In this scene we decided to focus on the movements of the hands.
We can see that subject B's hand is there but then subject a clasps his hand around hers - maybe for emotional support, maybe she has told him something very hard-hitting and he is trying to comfort her, from this scene we can see that there is a sense of intimacy here and that subject a cares deeply about subject b and he is here to support her.

 19&20

In this scene we can see a close up of both subjects faces and have also used match on action. This allows the audience to see both of the subjects expressions as they are conveying in a conversation.











21&22

In this scene we can see a close up of both of the subjects bags, this creates a sense of diversity and variety within the scenes as it intrigues the audiences and grasps there attention as it is different than just looking at the subjects faces.









23&24.

In these two scenes we can see the two subjects getting out of the bench and walking away, this gives the sense of the subjects moving away from the audience.










25&26.

 In these scenes we can see both the subjects walking off from the table, a long shot has been used in each of these scenes as it shows both of the subjects and the background that they are in, this makes the audience aware of the subjects surroundings. You cannot see the subjects faces in these scenes, this tells the audience that subjects may be in deep conversation with each other.








27.

In this scene we can see a close up of both of the subjects shoes. We have decided to do this as it shows a sense of intimacy and closeness between both the subjects and shows attention to detail and also shows that the subjects are getting further away from the viewer.










28.

In the final scene we can see both the subjects disappearing behind a building, this creates a sense of unknown and excitement in the audiences mind. The last scene also creates a string of question that the audience wants to know, such as; where are they going?, will they be ok?, what's going to happen next? These are all questions that will never be known!

Key Camera angles - Video Filming angles. Match On Action, Shot/ Reverse shot and The 180 Degree Rule

For this preliminary task I have been asked to research three different video editing techniques;

• Match on action
• Shot/reverse shot
• The 180 degree rule

Match On Action          

Match on action (or cutting on action) is a technique used in continuity editing, it is a cut that connects two different views of the same action at the same moment in the movement. Match on action creates a sense of continuity - the action carrying through creates a "visual bridge" which draws the attention away from slight cutting or continuity issues, match on action portrays a continuous sense of the same action rather than matching two separate things. 

Examples of match on action;

Match On Action - Example 1

Match On Action - Example 2


 

Shot/Reverse Shot

A shot/reverse shot is an editing technique used in conversations or when characters are looking at each other or objects. A shot showing what the character is looking at is followed by a reverse angle shot of the character themselves looking at it, or of the other character looking back at them. Shot/reverse shot often ties in with the 180 degree rule as it retains continuity by not distorting the audience's sense of location of the characters in the shots.


Examples of shot/reverse shot;

Shot/reverse shot - Example 1


Shot/reverse shot - Example 2

The 180 degree Rule

The 180 degree rule states that camera(s) should remain the same side of the imaginary line, the line is drawn perpendicular to the camera's viewpoint in the establishing shot of the scene, the rule also enforces continuity of the film. The rule should never be broken and the only reason one would need to break this rule is 'for effect' and breaking the rule will confuse the audience, especially in scenes of chase, conversation etc. You have to make sure that you don't cross the line when filming over the shoulder shots as this will mean that actors eye lines will not match and it will look like the actor is looking in the opposite direction. By breaking the rule this will mean that the audience will become confused and lose focus and become disorientated and they will miss vital parts of the film.



Examples of the 180 degree rule;

180 Degree Rule - Example 1

180 Degree Rule - Example 2 

Different Camera Angle Story Board

For this task we was asked to display a storyboard and create a series of pictures of a subject with a different camera angle for each picture. Within this task I took 9 photos, each focusing on a different type of camera angle, this has been done to further my understanding of different types of angles and what effect certain types of angles will have on the audience.

1.

 For the first picture I decide to use a close up shot, I decided to use this as it shows the facial expressions on the subjects face to the audience viewing the image. Notice that the background is blurred to draw attention to the subject.

2.

For the second picture I decided to use a mid long shot. I decided to use a mid long shot as it gives the audience more information about the subject in question. The mid long shot also shows the subject as well as the background to roughly let the viewer know where the subject is.

3.

For the third picture I decided to use a eye-level shot. I decided to use this shot as it makes the audience aware of the subjects facial expressions and the emotions that you can see in the subjects eyes.

4.

For the fourth picture I decided to use an extreme long shot. I decided to use this shot as it makes the subject seem very vulnerable and alone, this

creates suspense and drama in the audiences mind. Also, by using an extreme long shot it shows the vastness of the background behind the subject.

5.

For the fifth shot I decided to use a worms-eye view shot. I decided to use this shot as it makes the subject look very powerful and mighty, and by using this shot it makes the audience look very insignificant to the character, it also shows the subjects body language from the audiences perspective.

6.

 For the sixth shot I decided to use a birds-eye view shot. I decided to use this shot as it makes the subject look very insignificant and vulnerable. This shot also creates suspense and drama for the audience and leaves them with questions; who is the subject facing? Why is the subject looking in this direction? What's going to happen next? etc.

7.

For the seventh picture I decided to use a high angle mid shot. I decided to use this shot it captures the whole subject in the image and it makes the subject seem very vulnerable and powerless. This creates suspense in the audiences mind and leaves them wondering what will happen to the subject?

8.

For the eight picture I decided to use a mid shot. I decided to use a mid shot as it gives the audience more information about the subject in question, as now this tells the audience that the subject is courting a blue, white and red scarf and a pale blue sailor hat. The mid shot also gives a rough idea of where the subject is.

Jelly Babies Opening Scene

For our first task, we had to create an opening scene for a chosen genre by using just jelly babies and  a backdrop as props, in our case we decided to pick the genre 'Western' for our opening scene. Westerns are typically known for telling stories set in the American Old West in the late 19th century, structured around themes such as the conquest of the wild west, the cultural separation of the East and West etc. Western's have a way of engaging the audience with the intricate camera angles and lighting along with the characters and their facial expressions. Even by using jelly babies in contrast to real people, we attempted to construct how the opening scene would be in a Western Movie on our storyboard. For each scene I will be describing why we chose to display it in this way and the feect that it has on the audience.


1.

 
The movie opens with an Establishing Shot including an over-head shot of Billy, the main character, a gentle traditional country song materializes as the character moves away from the camera, the gentle sound of disgruntled animals can be heard in the distance as the camera dollies out into a long shot. The long shot makes the character seem small and insignificant in comparison to the vastness of the background; his gives the character a sense of vulnerability and weakness.



2.

The scene changes to a quiet, rural village in which the character is now walking, Billy is viewed side on at eye level in a point of view shot.  At this stage it's hard to insinuate what Billy's emotions as the character first appears faceless. The lack of expression creates tension and grabs the audience's attention and draws them in. The audience is detached from Billyr and is watching the plot unfold from a distance rather than connecting with the character at this point.



3.

A wide shot is used to capture the background of the scene, the audience is shown a saloon door being opened. The sound effect of an opening door is made and the old, rustic saloon is focused on. The audience is left to question who will come out of the door and tension is built as the door slowly creaks open at a glacial pace.






4.

The sound of loud country music booms out of the saloon as a large group of people rush out. A wide shot is used to focus on the group of people as a whole rather than focus on anyone specifically. This is the first shot where we can see the character's expressions, we can traces of confusion, anger, horror and disgust .We can assume from this that a fight is on the cusp of beginning.






5.

  We can then see a very wide shot of the characters, slightly above eye-level, we can now see more clearly what's happening in the scene. A 'brawl' is breaking out, however we can see that two people are standing, separated from from the others, one we can only assume is an angry manager of the saloon but the other is half hidden behind a barrel. This gives a sense of mystery to the audience and leaves questions about the character's relation to the rest of the group. The female character, Summer can be seen amongst them trying to break up the brawl.




6.

 
  We then see a cut-away shot of Billy looking angry and furious, follow by a mob, slightly blurred in the background. The head of one of the characters is looking out of the window in confusion, wondering what's going on? This leaves a sense of mystery and tension that is gradually building up over the next few scenes.







7.

  In this scene there's a close up of Billy, he's positioned at a slightly low angle. This gives the audience the impression that he is in the position of power and control; combined with the determined, stubborn expression on the character's shows that the character is very influential and of high authority in the group. The background is slightly blurred to give Billy the focus of attention in this scene.





8.

We then see a two shot, of Billy and Summer facing each other. The angle is at eye level which tells the audience that the characters are in deep discussion.












9.

 We're now shown an over-shoulder shot, this is so we get to look Summer from Billy's point of view, Summer looks angry at Billy for initiating the fight. 










10.

 We can now see a medium shot of Billy, the angle is at a slant and slightly low to give the illusion that the character is towering over slightly, and in this case is being defensive.











11.

A wide shot is used in this scene, most of the characters are facing away from the camera showing that the characters are moving in the opposite direction. However one of the characters is showing despair, judging by the perturbed expression and the body language, with one hand being raised to the character's face. Summer is following the other characters, potentially trying to stop them.






12.

We are now given another over the shoulder shot of Billy talking to Summer. Judging by the expression on the Summer's face we can tell that there is tension and anger between the two characters. The shot is showing us the conversation from the Billy's perspective.









13.

The scene is then set with the Billy and Summer facing each other in a two shot, positioned at eye level. Summer is positioned on the left which shows that the she has the upper hand in their conversation. Judging by the facial expression on the girl they're having a disagreement.









14.

The tone of the scene has changed, Blly has seemed to be left feeling annoyed and angry. We're given a mid close-up of him so that the audience connects with the him and his emotions. Billy has a hand covering his face, possibly in irritation.







15.


The scene is then set in a isolated, desert the scene is a wide shot, focusing on Billy who is walking away. This gives a sense of eeriness and makes the character seem alone and that he is contemplating about his thoughts in that moment.









16.

We then see an over the shoulder shot of Summer catching up with the main character. We can't see the expressions on their faces which gives a sense of curiosity for the audience. The camera angle is shot at eye level so that the audience can put themselves in the position of Billy and Summer.







17.

Another mid close up is used so that the audience can connect with his emotions. Billy seems enraged and fueled with anger, judging by his facial expression and body language. His hand is on his face once again in irritation.










18.

There's then a mid close up of Summer, this is done to make the audience also see the Summer's point of view as well as Billy's. Summer seems equally as annoyed and seems to been saying something in an angry and assertive manner.










19.

 The scene ends with the Summer walking after the Billy in a wide shot/over the shoulder shot. We can't see the expressions of the characters, we can only assume that the characters are angry with one another judging by their body language. At this point the audience is left with questions;
will Billy jump of the sheer cliff face?, will he get back together with Summer? Will he never speak to Summer again?

These are all questions that will never be known!