Preliminary Task Evaluation

Overall Evaluation

Firstly, we included all three compulsory aspects of the preliminary task; such as the shot reverse shot for the conversation. We believe this was effective as the continuity was consistent even though not all of the conversation was filmed on the one day. Just like regular films, the shoulder of the person who isn't speaking is unnoticeable. Furthermore, another compulsory aspect was the 180 degree rule, which we attempted to stick to while filming and the rule has not be broken in our clip. The third compulsory aspect was the match on action editing. In our preliminary task, we included several match on action shots such as the paper ball being thrown at the clock, the detention slip being handed to the child and the folder being picked up. Our editing of this was established effectively we believe as both shots smoothly led onto the partnering shot. Aside from the compulsory aspects, another positive was the sound during the shot reverse shot sequence, compared to before we had the boom mic, as when filmed again, the sound did not echo like it had done previously. Also, we attempted sound bridges which appear to be effective such as the closing of the doors.

If we were to ever re-do this preliminary task again, there are aspects we would improve upon. Firstly, there were a few continuity errors in our clip; such as the fluffy keyring on the child's black rucksack was present in one shot but was not in another and the hairstyles slightly change in the shot reverse shot due to it being on different days. To overcome this in the future, we would exclude all unnecessary accessories in case it is misplaced such as the keyring or if we had extra time, would re-film the shot where the keyring was present. The hairstyles would be kept close enough as possible to the previous day to not cause confusion as it breaks the feeling of verisimilitude. Another negative to our preliminary was the sound in the first sequence (the over the shoulder shot with the detention slip), the sound is unclear and the sound of the boom mic adjusting can be heard; if redone, we would refilm this clip or adapt the sounding so it is clear. Along with this, the depth of focus paid attention to the child's head, rather than the detention slip (became blurry) so this would also be refilmed so the audience can clearly see the slip.

Overall, we are impressed with the way our preliminary task turned out and believe we included a range of shots and editing which we think are effective to the plot. Our choice of music also enhances the atmosphere of the western. We have learned from this task due to its ability of allowing us to practice various shot types, editing and how to achieve effective sequences, it has also taught us to keep in mind continuity and the sounding.