Continuity Task: Analysis of first cut and rectifying problems

[First Cut Displayed Here]

During the filming of our clip we encountered many problems that have resulted in a number of ramifications during the process of editing. For example, during many of our extreme close-up shots we have attempted to incorporate the eyes, nose and mouth all within the confines of the frame, causing a very distorted and untidy shot. We have since learnt that when using an extreme close-up, it is important to focus specifically on one area of the face: this can be either the eyes and nose, or the nose and mouth - as depicted below.

An extreme close up of the eyes and nose.

An extreme close up including the nose and mouth.

It also occured to us that this principle remains important in the context of a thriller, by not fully disclosing the identity of the person it builds suspense. Whilst we did not successfully capture the extreme close-up, they were also scarce throughout our clip - after analysing our first cut through the resources on the iMac we noticed that segments involving dialogue were often rather boring due to the use of a single two-shot (establishing shot) recording the entirety of a conversation. We agreed that in order to keep an audience engaged in the clip using close-ups/extreme close-ups to capture facial expressions would improve our feature considerably. Furthermore, a succession of shot reverse shots where considered as a viable solution to the problem as this would allow the audience to observe the emotions of the characters and understand the situation. During the latter stages of our clip two girls are shown running - one chasing the other. We noticed that after analysing this scene our clip manifested lax camera work, at some point throughout the clip at least one of the girls did not feature in the full frame of the camera. It was also noticable that our use of match on action was very poor, as match on action refers to the process of time elapsing through a succession of different shots, usually around three. 

Depicted above: Georgina is shown entering the room through the door, and eventually exits to the left of the frame. The shot itself is fine - Georgina is within the confines of the frame and the camera is at a suitable height/angle - however, it is the following shot that demonstrates our poor use of match on action.

Subsequent to Georgina walking past the camera, the clip cuts immediately to this shot which defeats the object of match on action meaning, arguably, there is no match on action whatsoever in our clip. Match on action is designed to gradually reveal a person's journey from one point to another through a succession of three or so shots. Georgina's walk on the other hand, is conveyed through two shots and makes for a very disjointed scene. At this point in the scene, Daisy (sitting) instructs Georgina to sit down. Immediately, the camera cuts to Georgina sitting down and manifests no match on action at all which, again, causes the scene to look disjointed rather than a consistent piece of film comprised of smooth transitions.

In essence, the scene does not show Georgina's walk to her seat smoothly and is very 'jagged', and does not represent time elapsing.

However, one positive than came of our filming was our ability to adhere to the 180 degree rule.

Overall, the following improvements must be made to our clip:

• Match on action must be clearer, representing time elapsing
• Ensure subjects are kept within the confines of the frame
• Demonstrate a shot reverse shot
• Vary our range of camera angles - low/high angle shots/mid shots to emphasize superiority etc.

Below is our first cut in full.

[need to include first cut]