Skills Audit: Preliminary Tasks

1. During the planning stages, our group carried out a number of preliminary tasks. Firstly, we recorded a conversation between two people, this helped us to understand the amount of shots that were needed to create a fluid and authentic scene. Secondly, we mirrored a scene from the film "Jeepers Creepers". Attempting to recreate a scene from an existing film was very valuable as it means selection of the mise-en-scene is vital. Also, we had to be extremely specific when timing the scene and counting the number of shots needed.
Our final preliminary task was recreating a scene of our choice from any film. We chose the eminent bathroom scene from the horror film, "What lies beneath". This task enabled us to experiment with a range of shots and camera techniques, as well as working together as a team. We had to consider the appropriate mise-en-scene along with the health and safety aspects as running water was incorporated into the scene.

2. During the production stages of "What lies beneath", our group had to consider where we could film, as the original scene was set in a large bathroom. We managed to select an appropriate setting, but needed to adjust the lighting in the bathroom to create a more eerie atmosphere. Before filming, we created a storyboard, so our scene was well planned, organised and fluid. Although the dialogue in our scene was limited, we produced a script so that the male character knew exactly what to say. We also used a clapper board to keep track of each shot and the number of takes within the scene. Using a clapper board meant the editing process was much easier as we knew exactly which take was to be used in the correct order. The production of this scene was important as we had to use the camera to create the most effective atmosphere. Low angle shots were used whilst filming the male character, this presented him as threatening. High angle shots were created by holding the camera in the top corner of the bathroom, these shots perceived the female character as vulnerable which was the effect we set out to create. There was an interesting shot in which we filmed a mirror and could see the male characters reflection through a point of view shot. This shot gave the idea that the female character in the bath was trapped and isolated. Some difficulties were encountered during the process regarding the health and safety precautions. This meant we couldn't have the female character in the bath whilst the water was running, we realised this prevented the continuous sound of the water running which limited the effect of danger in the scene and damaged the continuity.

3. During the editing stage, we selected the takes that held the most similarity to the original scene and put them in the appropriate order to maintain authenticity. We realised that the continuity of the scene was flawed as the male character wasn't shown leaving the room but was shown returning to the room. We could have adjusted this but ran out of time. As a group, we have learnt the importance of continuity and authenticity when filming as well as the detail needed to create an effective piece of production.

4. During the recreation of a scene from "What lies beneath", I was primarily responsible for filming and storyboarding. I had the job of creating the high and low angle shots in the scene, and adjusting the lighting in the setting to create the most effective atmosphere.


Evaluation

1. We chose a difficult scene to recreate due to the limitations we experienced as a result of health and safety precautions. This effected the continuity of the scene, however, I think our scene did hold many similarities to the original due to the effective storyboarding and camera shots. The editing was successful and the actors were authentic, we also used a very comparable setting. Overall, as a preliminary task, our scene was a success.

2. By trying to recreate a scene from an existing film, we were exposed to effective camera angles and mise-en-scene, which allowed us to experience how effective the correct camera angles are in specific situations. It also made us realise the amount of planning a short scene takes which has prepared us for the production of our trailer.

3. The continuity could have been improved in our scene, the sound of running water could have been much more effective if it was a continuous feature in the scene to add realism.