11. Preliminary Task Video

TASK 1: Shoot and edit your preliminary task video.

Displayed above is my preliminary task video. In the 45 second video I have presented match on action, shot-reverse shot and the 180 degree rule. This task is very beneficial, as it enables me to practice the different techniques and improve on areas that need improving. I can then apply my improvements and the different techniques to my film opening.

TASK 2: Explain what each of the continuity editing features you have been asked to demonstrate are.

1. Shot-reverse shot

Shot-reverse shot is a film technique that is used to show one character looking at the other character, and then this is reversed to the other character looking back at the first character. This type of shot is mainly used when two characters are having a conversation. Usually if one of the characters is speaking, the camera will face them and if the other character exchanges dialogue then the camera will immediately switch to them. However, if the character exchanges very short dialogue, the camera may not necessarily switch to them. The characters are typically placed so they are facing each other in opposite directions, therefore the viewer initially assumes that they are looking at each other. Below is a diagram displayed on how the cameras must be set up in order to achieve the perfect angle for a shot-reverse shot.

2. 180 degree rule

The 180 degree rule is a basic guideline concerning the on-screen relationship between two characters within a scene. There is usually an imaginary line called the axis, and this connects the two characters. This means that the camera must always be on one side of the axis for every shot in the scene, whilst the characters both remain in the centre and the camera faces towards the characters. The first character is always right of the second character, who is then always left of the first. Below is a diagram displaced demonstrating the 180 degree rule.

 





 3. Match on action

Match on action is an editing technique which is used for continuing editing in which one shot is carried on to another shot portraying the action of the subject in the first shot. This technique gives the video a sense of continuity, therefore it draws the viewers attention and the audience know exactly what is going on, rather than switching the shot to a different scene every second which may cause confusion for the audience. Below I have displayed how I have used the match on action in my preliminary task video.