The Preliminary Task

Before you even begin to properly plan and develop your opening sequence, you need to have a secure understanding of basic filmmaking techniques.  In particular, an understanding of continuity editing, the shot-reverse shot, and the 180 degree rule.

How am I assessed?

The exam board states that you must complete this exercise before moving on to your construction.  Essentially, the preliminary task is marked under the planning section (20%) AO3 & AO4.

What do I have to demonstrate?

To show your understanding, you must complete the following task:

'film a sequence in which a character walks through a door, sits opposite another character and exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue.'

Sounds simple enough, but you'd be surprised how many people cross the line.  What do I mean by crossing the line?  See the video below:

 

Success Criteria

 

Unlike demonstrating your understanding of each shot type, which you did successfully for Mr Gourley in his lesson, you are expected to plan this out in detail and edit it to a professional standard.  Look at the following student exemplars of good and bad practice. 

 

Bad:

 

 

The main failings of this piece are the fact that it breaks the continuity flow (the character having shirt shown and then jacket zipped right up).  There is also really bad shot-reverse shot framing and even a jump cut, so it would be a fail.  This group would have to reshoot the whole thing until they get it right.  Don't rush - a shoddy preliminary task will most likely lead to a shoddy opening sequence.

 

Better:

 

Whilst not perfect, this group really go for it in terms of experimenting with camera shots, angles and editing techniques. They meet the criteria for the preliminary task within the first 30 seconds, but then decide to be experimental, even applying simple titles. 

I recommend that you use the preliminary task to get used to using the technology effectively.  There isn't really a match on action shot (hand going for the door, close up of handle opening, walking through door) but there is enough evidence to see that students are embracing the course. This exercise is essentially a warm up to the real thing.

Examiner Tip: Show that you care, seeing the preliminary task as a chore won't fill you, your teacher, or the moderator with confidence that you really thought about your project.

Apps you will need - Storyboards and Shot Designer.  I will demonstrate these in class.