Continuity Sequence Evaluation

This is my group's own, original sequence in which we try to follow the continuity rules and create a successful narrative flow.

1. Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?

I worked with (from left to right) Eddie, Thakshana and Mario.

We shared many tasks but divided others to specific individuals. We all planned the story line together, deciding to film a comedy styled sequence. We all contributed our ideas as to how we should film our shots including the framing, camera movements and most importantly what continuity techniques we needed to show off. During pre-production, Eddie drew up a rough storyboard while I wrote a shots list and any props we needed for the shoot. During the production, Eddie was the cameraman, Mario the actor, Thakshana the actress, and me the director. We edited the sequence in pairs. I worked with Thakshana and we both took turns in editing.


2. How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use? What theories did you try to take into account?








We planned our sequence by openly discussing and brainstorming ideas for our narrative and then Eddie drew up a rough storyboard so everyone could visualize and understand the sequence easier.

We also had a meeting during one lunchtime where we all decided what order our shots should be in which made our shoot on the actual day much more time efficient. For example we decided to shoot the whole sequence first as a master shot so that we can keep going back to it while editing. We also discussed our props which was just a black blazer for Mario.








Thakshana also made a final version of the script. Just to make absolute sure the shoot would go smoothly, Thakshana and Mario rehearsed their lines and Mario tried on his blazer. We tried to take into account 3 main continuity theories: match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree rule.

3. What technology did you use to complete the task, and how did you use it?

We used a Canon HF G30 to film our sequence, a shot gun microphone (a fluffy grey one) to record our sound, headphones to listen to our sound to make sure it was fine and there was no background noise and a tripod for stability and height.

We used Adobe Premier to edit our sequence. Me and Thakshana watched all our video clips, selecting the final shots we wanted to use and put them all into one folder. Then we would go through each clip, marking the in and out points we wanted to use and dragged them onto the timeline below. We put the clips on alternating levels for ease of editing and in case we needed to overlap them. We used the razor tool to cut out part of the audio clip of one scene as it was too loud and distracted from the action. We had to decide when to cut each frame so all would adhere to the match on action rule.


4. What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?

When planning, we had to decide which angle our master shot would be from. We also had to decide our location (a classroom), script, lighting, sound, framing, and props. When shooting we had to decide how to pan smoothly and when to start and stop panning. Although we had a shots list we changed the order in which we shot our scenes as the other group were using the media corridor while we needed it. We also had to avoid people walking in on our scenes as it was distracting from the action. While editing, we had to decide when to cut off each shot and how it would match with the next shot to create a fluid sequence so that when we edited the sequence there would be no jump cuts. While editing the conversation we had to follow the shot/reverse shot rules so that the frame switches to the person who is speaking from over the shoulder of the other person every time they open their mouth.


5. How successful was your sequence? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what could improved/do differently?

I think our sequence was very successful as we employed the match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rules (stated in the brief) successfully to achieve continuity. We also followed the narrative of the brief exactly while adding in our own comedic dialogue. We edited well to create a fluid, narrative flow. However, in hindsight, I feel that we should have shot a two shot to break up the conversation during editing.

It would have been nice to give the audience a break from all the over the shoulder shots and remind them where everything was taking place. We also could have drawn a better storyboard in order to properly visualise the narrative flow though it did not affect us much.

6. What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation, do you think?

I have learnt how to use a camera properly and how to shoot while keeping in mind and demonstrating the three main continuity rules - match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree rule.
I think this information will be very useful if I'm ever filming a narrative sequence like a film opening in the future as I will need a combination of genre, narrative and continuity techniques to create a successful piece of coursework.
I have also learnt that shooting some extra shots such as the two-shot would be helpful as you never know if you will need them or not.