Editing the Preliminary film

In class today we used a programme called 'Final Pro Cut' to edit our prelimiary films. Firstly we just watched through our shots, to see if we got all the cuts we wanted. Then we made a 'bin' and named that 'rushes'. Once we had put all of our shots into the 'rushes' we were able to start editing and cutting our film into how we wanted it to be. We learnt that you cut by using the letter i and o, for the start and finish of the bit you want to cut in, also that you use snapping to get the cut smoother. At the top of the screen we had two screens where we could see in one of them the bit we were cutting and in the other how the film was looking so far. Once we had done it a few times we all got the hang of it quickly our timeline started to get longer and longer. We were all wanting it to look and sound perfect so we spent a lot of time making sure that the audio fitted together right - and although that may have taken a bit of time once we'd got it, it sounded so much better and was worth that bit of time to get it right!

The Stepfather

Shooting Preliminary Film

In groups of 4 we started to film our very first film. We had a sheet of paper with a scene on it that we had to shoot. It gave us the angles and a bit of dialogue. Two of the people in our group acted it out, and the other too filmed it. But we made sure that the two that acted it out had as much of a go with the camera than the others. I was on the shooting team, not the acting. This went well and I started to get used to using the terms 'Stand By' 'Rolling' and 'Action'. We worked well as a team, and made sure that the camera had been focused and white balanced before we shot anything. We also all helped set up the camera, in the position we wanted it, this helped us work together and made sure that everyone in our group was able to do it. This task was all about communication with eachother and seeing as we were able to do this very well we managed to finish early so we added extra shots. Some close ups, some high angled and low angled shots. I really enjoyed shooting the preliminary film, it was my first time of really using a camera in the way we did it. It showed me how important working together was, also how important detail was and how once you've got the hang of it you were able to really get stuck into it!

Using the 180° rule!

We got into groups of 4 in this practical lesson. The lesson before we had learnt all about the camera so now it was time for us to put what we learnt to practice. Our group filmed a girl sitting down at a computer, clicking on something, then standing up and walking away. The reason for doing this small sequence was the get used to the 180° rule! Also by using different shot types (mid-shots, POV shots, over the shoulder, low-angle shots, high-angle shots).

Learning to use a Sony NX5 Video Camera

Our first practical lesson we learnt the basics of how to use a Sony NX5 Video Camera. In groups of four we were given a Sony NX5 Video Camera and tripod. We learnt how to handle the equipment safely, how to attached the pan-handle, learnt how to bubble it, how to set up the tripod. Also we leant what we had to make sure we did before we filmed anything (e.g zooming in as far as you can then focusing it, then also before every shot you needed to set the white balance).

My first blog.

Hey, this is my first blog account ever. I've made this account for Media Studies A level. I have no clue how to use this or what I am doing, but hopefully I'll get used to it :)