The IMPROVED Conversation

This is the NEW and IMPROVED video of a conversation following my slightly unsuccessful try last lesson. I feel that this video is definitely better than the first as I made sure that rather than filming the video in a few long shots, I created a lot of shorter frames, which made editing and putting the sequence together easier. It also means that their is less movement of the camera and therefore makes the overall film look much more professional. Changing the camera angles and shots with short quick frames from long shots makes the pace quicker and the video overall runs a lot better than it did before.

 

Improving the Conversation

Today I am going to be working on the film I shot last lesson, focussing on how I can re-shoot it to make it even better. I know that when I shoot today, I need to remember several things which should make my video look more professional:

• Do not zoom in or out whilst filming as the results aren't smooth enough
• Hold the camera still and film many shorter clips rather than longer clips as this will make editing easier. The edited version will then be a lot more consistent and the shots will vary a lot more making the video more interesting. Jumping from a clip to a similar frame or shot is not an effective method.
• Film more than I need!
• Consider the rule of thirds when shooting the footage to ensure that the subjects are framed correctly.
• Use a wider variety of shots from different angles such as:
• Over the shoulder shots - for each person in the film, with the shoulder only using a third of the space, leaving the rest for whoever else is present in the frame
• Establishing shots and mid-shots to show the subjects in their environment
• Close-ups to show reaction - but not too many!
• Shot-reverse-shot techniques to follow the conversation between the two people
• Also use a variety of different angles and to 'mix up' the sequencing of clips in the editing process so that no two frames next to each other look similar.

Filming a Conversation

This is the developed video I created after constructing my storyboard. I found the process a lot easier due to creating the storyboard beforehand. Overall, I initially liked what I had filmed but I don't think I made the editing easy for myself as I shot a few shots merging into each other, rather than each individual shot. I did this as I felt it would help with the continuity, but instead it has prolonged the pace of the film whereas many shots put together quickly would have increased the pace and the drama added into it.

Filming a Conversation - Storyboard

Evaluation:
This film was a good opportunity for me to practice with new shot types such as over-the-shoulder shots and practicing the 180degree rule. I found this task useful as it will be helpful when I create the final film as I will know what shots will work well together in keeping the sequence logical for the viewers. I will also use the final video for practicing different editing techniques to make the video more visually interesting.
I think making this storyboard was successful in the end, but I found initially shooting it difficult as I had to ensure I had enough shots to make the conversation flow properly.

Developing the Storyboard - Film 2

Evaluation:

I definitely feel that this video was a lot more successful than my first - I now know the importance and usefulness of storyboards as it has allowed me to put together my ideas more fluently. Personally, I am quite happy with this video because I have further developed my iMovie skills to incorporate more transitions and better technique. I did however struggle with adding sound to this movie as it was difficult to choose sounds that were suited to the genre of the movie.

Creating a Storyboard

Practicing Shot Types - My Film Debut!

Evaluation:

Creating my first video for A2 Media was interesting and has introduced me to what I will be working on throughout the unit. Personally, I feel like this would have gone better if I had planned for the shoot more, i.e. creating a more realistic storyboard to follow in order to make the actual film more interesting to watch. However, it was useful in introducing me to filming the different shot types. Also, I feel like with more practice, my filming quality will become a lot better and clearer as my film looks quite wobbly and not as smooth as it could be in parts. I should also edit the film more as I need to edit out some of the audio as the 'actors' in my film sometimes talk whilst I am filming them. I also feel that I could spend more time editing the film to improve the quality as the music/sounds aren't consistent and some of the titles do not appear as fluently as they should do. Overall, I feel that with more planning and editing I could make this film a lot better by being more imaginative and creative - both with the actual filming and my editing.