Evaluation Of My Continuity Sequence

In our continuity sequence we had to create a short film from 40-90 seconds, containing an action of a 'package' exchange. We decided to make a chase scene as we had limited time and shots.



Mise-en-scene

We used cardboard boxes as props in our film, we used them to create diversion and disruption in the narrative, by the character throwing them on the floor behind him whilst being chased to slow down the chaser therefore creating an obstacle and change in narrative. Also we used a budget prop of paper to begin the chase and provoke the chaser, this was used in a comedic way to give no sense to the chase and the story.Also because of the low budget we used civilians in our film for example the bus, this shot created suspense because when the bus passed out of shot it then shows the chaser.
However there needs to be improvement with the planning of setting and props, we accidentally left the camera bag in shot in our wide-shot; we could improve this by setting up the camera for the shot and see what the setting in the shot is like and remove any un-wanted items or scenery.

Lighting
Lighting was minimal in our film mainly because it was shot outside, however we did search for a well lite area to capture our outside shots. We used natural light to create a mood of fast pace and wildness also the bright sun light help emphasize the chaser as they are wearing all black. We can reflect on this next time by making sure the lighting is correct on the camera for the shot to ensure the best look in the setting in the film.

High or Low Camera Angles
We used a range of low angle shots, we used one for the disruption in the narrative, the low angle gave the feeling of dominance and hierarchy in the chaser.  We also used a high angle in the opposite way to show the weakness of the character as they gasp for air from running from the chaser. This was hard to ensure high and low angles as our genre of film doesn't involve them much.

Different Shot Distances 
We used long shots to show setting and the equilibrium of the film, and wide shots to show the surroundings of the character. Close up shots were used a lot in our film because of the suspenseful and fast pace soundtrack and story there fore by using close ups on the characters face you can see their body language and current emotion in that shot.

Camera Movement 
We were limited to one camera movement only, in our film, we decided to use it on the change in story when the chaser is set of to chase the runner. We used the movement to the 'package' which was exchanged to the face of the chaser giving it tension and shows the anger in his face, after this point the music drops and the chase begins.

Fades or Dissolves 
We did not use any fade or dissolve transitions because of the type of film we were making, we used simple fast cut to next shot transitions because of the pace and suspense in the film. However, after watching our film we discovered that we cut from one shot to the other showing time passed and a different location which would of been more effective if we had used a fade transition to show the movement in narrative and time.

The Continuity System:

180 Degree Rule
We complied to the 180 degree rule to ensure the best look to our film and ours was used in the stand off of the character at the end of the film.

Establishing Shots
We did not have any establishing shots because we anted as many shots as possible in the main chase therefore it could be an improvement for next time to use an establishing shot to set the scene


Match Cuts on Action
A match cut on action is here the shot shows action at one point and then shows the same action happening in a different shot, this is to emphasis the action therefore it is more more frequent in action packed films, we did not use this in our film but could be used in other narrative media films.

Eye-Line Match Cuts
We used eye-line match cuts to create a tension and dramatic build up to the ending of our film.where we used this technique the chaser is hidden when the other character looks up and the bus drives past and reveals him.












POV Shots
We used point of view to set the first scene and to execute the story of the 'package exchange', the point of view gives the audience a feel of what the person is doing in the shot because it is like being in their eyes when watching. POV gets the audience ton concentrate on that characters actions if the action is important to the film.

Shot reverse shot
Our ending to the film consisted of a shot reverse shot, this is because it creates tension as both characters are looking each other in the eye and the camera reverses from each of them showing an over shoulder shot of their perspective of the other character.

Summary 

Overall, our continuity sequence was successful in our narrative, however there are many things we need to think about next time, for example we need to spend more time configuring our plan and pre- production process because we did not plan enough to film what we needed so we had to find something on the spot and it effected our filming. None the less I am proud of some of the shot techniques we used and in editing, our music choice complimented the film.