Filming basics

Filming basics

Get organised
You need to be organised when you are filming. Make sure the camera has a tape in, is turned on, is in the right mode (video camera rather than still or playback mode, and that the lens cap is off. Refer to a shot list or storyboard so that you know which shots you are going to film.
Framing
Normally it's better to use a tripod. If you can't use a tripod, it's easier to hold the camera steady if you zoom out and get in close to the subject.
If you're filming with a still camera or cameraphone, remember you still need to keep the camera in 'landscape' mode. If you film in portrait mode your shots will be on their side, and you won't be able to rotate them unless you have a professional editing program.
Shoot separate shots rather than reframing and waving the camera about while you're filming.
If you do use camera movements, have the camera moving smoothly in one direction. If you're using a camera that uses heavy compression, like a basic cameraphone, fast movement will badly affect image quality and smoothness.
Don't zoom while you're filming.
Check the light
Try to film where there is plenty of light, and don't mix different light sources such as daylight and fluorescent light as this will make the colours appear strange. Don't shoot into the light or against a very light or dark background.
Shoot enough material
Shoot at least ten seconds of each shot (count one second, two seconds etc or watch the counter in the camera viewfinder.) For drama or acted scenes, it's best to follow a drill (LINK TO BE INSERTED).
Don't keep rewinding the camera to check your material as you will probably record over some of your good stuff.

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AS Bloggers get ready!

YOUR BLOG MUST INCLUDE:

• Critical analysis of the work of Saul Bass
• Evidence of research into similar media texts and analysis of their forms and conventions
• Evidence of how you have planned your project
• A logline for your film idea/concept and or a mind-map exploring narrative/character development
• Draft storyboards, title page layouts and plans
• A comprehensive set of posts outlining the processes in the development of your film and the decisions and revisions made during this time
• Your prelim task

YOUR BLOG SHOULD INCLUDE:

• Location shots
• Casting Shot
• A filmed animatic with camera movement/cuts and sound
• Second/third draft storyboards
• Music choices discussion and analysis with audio extracts
• The first cut of your sequence with analysis
• Detailed critique of the developmental process with reflective commentary on the decisions and revisions made.
• Exploration of why opening title sequences are so important to the film industry?
• Photographs of the shoot - you in action!
• Shooting schedule
• Mini-evaluative postings showing reflective thought processes throughout the project
• Evidence of audience profiling
  

YOUR BLOG COULD INCLUDE:

• Thorough audience research exploring the relationship between opening title sequences and spectator responses to film.
• A detailed audience profile drawing upon sociographic and psychographic profiling techniques.
• Audience responses to your finished film.
• Evidence into 'Film Production' processes undertaking a case study into a specific studio or film and tracking its production, distribution and marketing strategies.

A2 Narrative re-cap

Narrative

Analysing re-cap

Reading Films

A2 Genre revision

Genre

A2 Audience theory re-cap

Audiences

Exemplar AS Paper A Grade

ASKC2