Induction sequence evaluation

Induction sequence evaluation

Introduction: as stated earlier we created a short continuity sequence in order to demonstrate our abilities. Now the sequence is complete we have been tasked to evaluate the sequence we created.

Section 1: Mise- en- scene and camera work

For this task we were required to use a certain amount of cinematographic techniques to meet the criteria for our sequence. The clip opens with a wide establishing shot showing a glass walkway, we chose this location for filming as it allowed for multiple camera angles to be utilised, although the day we were shooting was too bright which caused the glass to be too reflective to get any more external shots.

In the next scene we see the ‘main’ character who is wearing basic clothing; we decided not to use any special props or costumes due to time restraints, reflected by the bag the character is holding, which is simply the bag in which the camera we used came in. We used a low angle shot in this scene mainly to avoid the large amount of people off frame but also to make the character look important and stand out a little bit more making the audience believe this is the main character.

The next shot is one of the required match on action of the character opening the door, the character pauses before the door in order to show hesitation and to hint at the characters intentions for the package. Reflecting on this shot I would have preferred to have an OTS following the character through the door but due to the large amount of people travelling through the filming location the shot would have been too difficult.

The next shot reveals a new character (who is once again wearing a basic costume) in a wide shot showing the whole corridor; we see a close up of the main as she prepares to meet the new character.

The OTS in the next shot is from the left shoulder of the character essentially breaking the 180 degree rule this mistake was made early on so it does not add any confusion. We then see the second character hand the main something out of his pocket , which we decided not to show because the action of reaching in his pocket is a strong implication it is money, this shot is just a simple OTS.

The next scene shows a low down straight shot of the bag changing hands once again breaking the 180 degree rule, in editing this was pointed out but one of the characters was not available to re-shoot the scene. With the bag having changed hands, we then see a medium shot of the second character as he nods in appreciation. We then cut to a low down straight on shot of the characters feet as they turn away from each other, we cut to an OTS showing the main character glancing back over her shoulder as if she mistrusts the other character, the scene then fades down to black.

In the next scene we fade up to see the male character with the package in a new location, we used a low angle shot to show more of the characters face as he is opening the package at first he looks sceptical then intrigued as to the contents of the package.

In the last scene we see the male character pull a smaller case out of the larger bag, we cut to an extreme close up of the characters mouth to show him smiling.

Conclusion: to conclude this clip was not the best as it did not correctly follow some rules of continuity, was poorly focused and too short. All of these downsides are mainly due to the small amount of time we had to complete the sequence.

   

Induction Continuity Sequence

For this task we were asked to create a short continuity sequence in order to demonstrate our basic abilities in film making and to ensure we understand all the information we were presented in our induction handbooks. We were given a certain amount of shot types that we needed to use, such as at least five close ups, a shot reverse shot, an establishing shot as well as avoiding breaking the 180 degree rule. Embedded below is the resulting video.

Induction Photographs

Fear:In this photo we used a worm’s eye view angle of the subject to make him seem taller. We also made the subject stand in front of the sun to create the shade effect to make the subject look more dangerous.

Danger: For this photo we used a simple straight on shot and focused more on using the focus to draw attention to the subject the male subject is out of focus in order to make him harder to see so that he seemingly poses a larger threat.

Desire: In this photo we used an OTS/ POV shot of the subject in order to make sure the subject is clear. The back most is the only one in focus in order to draw further attention; in combination with the OTS we get the effect that the male subject is looking at the female.

Friendship: We used a simple straight on shot for this photo but once again utilized connotation, a high five is a common gesture amongst friends rarely seen in any other situation.

Greed: In this photo we used a simple straight on shot to show one of the subjects being robbed, we used this shot because ‘robbers’ are normally attributed with greed.

Loneliness: As with the ‘Desire’ shot we used a POV/OTS of the subject in order to create a distancing effect between the subjects. This distancing effect is due to the angle and distance, realistically the subjects were much closer, this creates the effect of isolation or loneliness.

Instead of utilising angles and composition for this photo we used connotation to our benefit by creating the heart shape that is used commonly to represent love

Poverty: This photo is taken from a high angle in order to make the subject look smaller and weaker; the spare change in the hand is an indication of begging hence poverty.

Strength: We shot this photo from a low angle to make the subject look taller and more threatening achieving an effect of dominance.

Purity: In this photo we used a worm’s eye view in order to shoot the sky and some trees which are commonly attributed to ‘pure’.

Weakness: Much like the ‘Love’ picture we utilized connotation over angles in order to demonstrate weakness, the arm wrestle is a common test on strength and the loser is normally considered weaker. 

Wealth: In this photo we used a low angle canted shot in order to draw attention to the subject. The canted angle draws further attention to the shape of the car making it look more striking than it would look on a straight on shot.

Lighting: all lighting used was ambient as most shots were taken outside

Mise-en-scene the only prop that was used was the stones for the ‘Love’ picture and the camera bag in ‘Greed’. All costumes used were the subjects own and don’t relate to the scene being played out.

Colours: All the colours seen in the photos are natural no photo manipulation or filters were used.

Framing: all photos were taken with the main subject(s) taking up the majority of the frame with slight exception to the ‘Danger’ photo.