Sequence Deconstruction

Deconstruct the sequence, focusing your analysis particularly on the specific continuity techniques used to make the sequence flow and make sense.

There are 3 different camera shots used in this sequence: A Wide Shot, A MS of the door where Moss is standing and a MS of Roy and Jen standing together. The wide shot is the master/ establishing shot and has now shown us that Moss will be on the right of the screen and Roy and Jen will be on the left. This works as throughout the scene because Moss is looking towards the left of the screen, which symbolises that he is talking to the other two. This means that the director has taken into account the 180 degree rule. Even though the MS of them is straight on, Roy and Jen are speaking to somebody off-screen on the right. This makes the conversation flow well, the use of match-on-action working since the camera is always on the person talking, and they are facing the person off screen. At the end of the sequence when Moss walks out of the door the camera pans as if to follow him (even though he is on the other side of the wall). We can see Jen from behind now which adds to the audience’s knowledge of where everybody is.

The IT Crowd - Series 3 - Episode 6 - Back From Holiday

Evaluation on Accident video

1. What did you think was the point to the activity?

The point was mainly to learn how to construct a clear and understandable narrative flow, meaning that we had to use a variety of camera shot and signifiers in our sequence to show the audience what was happening. However, it also meant that we learnt new rules from this exercise, for example the 180 degree rule which will help us when we do work later on. This activity was the first step on the way to producing and narrative sequence.

2. In regard to your finished sequence, what worked well?

I think that the first few shots of our sequence were good. We began with an establishing (or master) shot that showed the setting and what was happening. The next few shots were also done well; however, the ending wasn’t produced so well. We used a variety of shots that would normally be used in a narrative flow. We also made things obvious to the audience, achieving this by making sure that they could see the action take place. We didn’t break any of the basic rules of filming.

3. What would you aim to improve about your sequence?

I think that the ending of our piece was ruined by us beginning and ending filming at the wrong time. This meant that the sequence was broken up and the last two shots were harder for the viewers to understand as a result of this. The final shot was supposed to be of me lying on the ground looking unconcious dead. However, this obviously became unclear because of the shot before. In future we must be more careful when filming and make sure that we all know what we are doing before we shoot (especially since we only had one chance at getting this right). Also, I think that we should have made each shot slightly longer. Our sequence was fast paced, something unnecessary for this type of sequence, and this could be rectified. By doing this we would be able to make sure that the audience have the time to see things on the screen and take everything in.

4. What did you learn from doing this activity?

Each shot must be done in order to fit in with the style we are trying to convey i.e. we shouldn’t use fast paced action shots when doing an activity like this. I think that we made use of the wide shot well. I’ve also learned about the 180 degree rule (only shoot a narrative from one side of the action or else it may disorientate the viewers) and the 30 degree rule (the camera must move at least 30 degrees between shots in order for the camera work not to look shaky or jumpy).

12C Group 1 Accident - My video

DYM HOMEWORK feedback

Well done Jacob. This is an excellent analysis of the two sequences. Your comparison is accurate, pertinent and thoughtfully composed.

Ms Dymioti homework - Comparison

A Comparison of Two Opening Sequences

The types of shots used in the two sequences are similar and are used in a similar way. At first, the main characters’ faces aren’t revealed. This builds suspense. The shots used a MCUs, often on their necks dow till their waists. In Legally Blonde, It begins with an out of focus CU on the back of her head that closely comes into focus to see her combing her hair. In Se7en, there is a LS of him in the kitchen but he has his back to us and is slightly out of focus. He only turns to the camera when he is close enough so his head is out of shot. Morgan Freeman is revealed a lot sooner though. A tilt shot is used so you can see from his feet until his head slowly comes into shot. However, in Legally Blonde there is two minutes of build-up until she shows her face to the camera.

The mood is completly different in thw two films however. In Legally Blonde you get the idea that it is going to be a happy feel-good film. This is because of the cheerful music in the background (including the words “Perfect Day” over and over again), as well as the courful mise-en scene and laughing people. The weather also has connotations of happiness - it is warm and sunny. In Se7en there is no background music. The setting is either at night or on a rainy day. The colours used are either a pale grey or darker coulours (especially in the crime scene).

We can learn a lot about the narrative and the difference between the main characters in each film from the opening scenes. In Se7en, Morgan Freeman plays a policeman who has been partnered with a new detective (played by Brad Pitt). In this film, they have seven days to catch a killer. I guess this because: the film title is Seven, in the dialogue Morgan Freeman says that he is leaving his job in seven days and just after the credit the wird “Monday” apperas on-screen as if it is a diary of the week. In Legally Blonde, she is preparing to go to her party to celebrate her (I guess this because she is preparing and in the card it mentions the words “Good luck”) but seeing as a film cannot be about perfection I’m sure there’ll be a disruption in the narrative. The characters are complete opposites: Morgan Freeman is a middle-aged man who likes things to be perfcet and so probably likes to solves his cases perfectly (we can tell this from the way he dresses and how his bedroom is laid out). In contrast, Reece Witherspoon is a young woman who has a very messy bedroom and takes alot longer to get dressed. He annoys others aorund him and colleagues whilst she appears to be loved by all.

BLK hwk feedback

An impressive evaluation Jacob, in all respects. Well written using a good standard of terminology, including some technical terms. Very thorough and reflective.

Don't forget to post your still to complete the task.

A great start!

media homework 16.9.09

1) The shot is a High Angle MS of a man sitting by a wall. He is wearing a black hooded jacket and has light shined upon him. His face is in half-darkness and he’s looking sternly at the camera. The brick wall behind curves.

The High Angle makes it seem as if he’s vulnerable and has just been caught/ arrested. This is supported by the torchlight shone upon him. The black hoodie has connotations of evil, not only because of it’s colour but also the hood makes it seem as if he (the killer) want to hide his face and adds an air of mystery to him. His face being in half-darkness often symbolises that he has secrets (this is enhanced by the hood) but also can make him look evil. The curved wall effect makes the shot seem more manic and crazy, which reflects the killer’s ideas and thoughts.

2) The lighting was the most difficult part of this composition. To do this we turned off all the lights in a corridor before using the pag light to shine across the actors face. The shadow of the hoodie made this shot look very sinister. The camera was positioned low down (dismounted from the tripod) since the subject was sitting on the ground.

3) I think this shot reflects the evil, madness and mystery of the killer. The evil is shown through his face, the dark hoodie and his shadow against the brick wall. The madness is shown through the curved brick wall that looks distorted and unreal. The mystery of who this killer is is reflected through the hood and his face half covered in shadow; you cant fully see his face.

4) Firstly, the brick wall wasn’t as intentional as it seems. I think if we were to do this we could rearrange his hood so we can see different parts of his face whilst also covering other parts with shadow (I take blame for this, this was part of my job). I also think this could have been improved if we were to show part of the ground as you can’t see it in this shot and so you are unaware of where his legs are and how high up he is.