Preliminary Task: Introduction

As a part of the course, we have been asked to create a short clip called a Preliminary Exercise. The exercise is a continuity task designed to prove we can film and edit a character who opens a door, crosses a room, and sits down in a chair opposite another character whom they exchange a few line of dialogue with. The task must demonstrate examples of match on action, shot/ reverse shot, and the 180-degree rule. This task is to be done in groups and these will be the groups that will work together on the creation of their final piece. We will not be marked on the quality of this exercise, however it does have to be done.

Techniques:

• Match on Action: this technique is used when the camera cuts from a shot, to a different shot type but following through the action of the previous shot. The cartoon example shows a shot with two people's hands meeting, followed by them shaking hands. Another frequently used example is a shot of someone reaching for a door handle, and then a new shot of them turning it.

• Shot/ Reverse Shot: this is an editing process where the scene cuts from one shot, to another, and then back to the first. It allows the audience to see both action and reactions. It is often used when when filming a conversation in order to show both participants.

• 180- Degree Rule: this is a filming rule which states that the camera/s must film from behind a line. The line is used as a guideline for filming a scene with more than one character, as it allows the characters involved to maintain their relationship regarding their positioning to each other. Without this cinematographic rule, characters will switch sides and continuity would be lost.