Evaluation of ‘The Exchange’

For our preliminary task we decided to have an exchange happen and build tension as the shout clip goes on. Our theme for this task was thriller, so after look at different thriller films we realised that is where we got our ideas from that we was going to continually build that tension and keep that at a high throughout.

For our preliminary task we had to film a thriller themed clip and show 180^o rule, match on action, shot reverse shot and continuity throughout the film. Through the film there should be someone entering a room and having a conversation with another person already in that room. That was the raw plan of what we had to do. And the rest we would plan, decide and create ourselves. With these points in mind, my group –myself, Mia Shaw and Beth Pattison- drew a story board of how are film was going to go, on this we drew how we wanted that frame to look from the camera that would be recording it. We also did a shot list of what shots we wanted to use and where they were going to be placed in the film clip. We also discussed who was actually going to be in the clip and who was going to be filming them. Because our storyline need to two people to be in the film, we all decided that I and Mia would be doing the acting and Beth would be the one to film us. We all decided that we was all going to edit the final piece, that way all of our ideas will go into it together.  

These are two shots one after the other, these are editing called match on action shots; it is also continuity as well. This is because one shot the camera is outside the door filming my left hand push down the handle and the second shot is of the handle pushed down my left hand still on the handle and I walk in. The camera in the second shot is inside the room now instead of outside with me; this is so when I walk into the room, you will also be able to see my reaction at the other mysterious character in the bottom left hand corner of the frame.

Between these two shots there is a very quick edit between the two shots so they can go from one place of the room to the other. The first shot is an over the shoulder shot of my hand with the skittles. Then it fades out to a shot of Mia, this shot is also taken over my shoulder to look at her, this is an over the shoulder shot. This adds to the tension because although you know it is sweets you are not certain that’s exactly what they are.

Throughout the film clip we stuck to the 180^o rule and didn’t go past it. The camera would always be on my left side –when we were seated at the table- to Mia’s right side. This is how we keep it throughout, it made it easier to the audience that we was actually opposite and that was where we stayed.

We didn’t use any added light to our film other than the natural sunlight that was coming through the windows, this added that it was in a normal place and that it was in the middle of the day that this exchange was taking place.

I have learnt a lot from completing this preliminary task, it has taught me that there is a lot more to filming rather than one continuous shot. There are a lot of shots for one 2 second clips.

 To improve our thriller film, I would re-film parts because they was a bit shaky, I would make it steady. Also there was some unnecessary background noise from the camera and little noises you wouldn't normally hear in a film.

Overall, I really enjoyed making this preliminary task, and enjoyed creating it with my group. All ideas were shared and merged together to get this final product.