Continuity Task 1 Evaluation

1. Explain the story of your video?

Our story followed a boy, who was running until he falls over. The first shot is an extreme close-up of the boy's face. The second shot is a low shot of the boy running off. The third shot is a worm-eye view of the boy jumping and clearing a seemingly large obstacle. The fourth shot shows a mid-shot of the boy running towards the camera and he runs past the camera. The fifth shot is a long-shot of the boy jumping and falling over a small obstacle and the sixth shot is a high-shot looking down at the boy on the floor. 

2. How did you attempt to create 'narrative flow' (continuity)?

The narrative flow was established by the use of quick cuts towards the beginning for dramatic effect. Low camera angles with no establishing shot create an ominous sense of suspense and show the action as grand and impressive. The comedic aspect is brought by the juxtaposition between the low and close up shots to the long shot - which belittles the action and changes the pace and scale of the action on screen. We aimed to create continuity by running through the entire scenario before recording the necessary segment to create realistic action and movement. We also aimed to match on the action; which was sometimes carried out correctly and effectively. 

3. Did you achieve full continuity? If not, why not?

We did not achieve full continuity as shots three and four have some repetitive movement where they should seamlessly join. There is also a gap between shot five and six, where the action isn't matched - shown by a missing piece of the action in between the shots.

4. In hindsight, what would you do differently to improve the narrative flow of your video and tell your story more effectively?

In hindsight, I would leave the shots the same but make shot one quicker to increase dramatic effect. I would also match on the action better between shots three and four and shots five and six. 

TV Drama Still - Reflections on Practical

My TV Drama Still 

Our brief was to create a series of still images based on a specific genre of TV Drama. We began our thought process by ruling out any genres that would leave the brief unfulfilled due to unrealistic and unavailable props, locations, time and characters; all of which are crucial for allowing the audience to accurately identify the genre. This immediately ruled out genres such as sci-fi, docu-dramas and international dramas. This process led us to choose the genre of crime and we began location scouting and planning our stills. We created a basic storyboard to show the composition of our still images and the actors within it, which is shown below.

My chosen still was a landscape mid-shot. It features two characters; one pressed forcefully against a wall with a negative facial expression. He is holding a gun and is wearing dark clothing with golden and bulky jewellery to help play to typical stereotypes of criminals on screen. The second character looks more dominant and in control of the situation as he is holding the gun against the wall, rendering it useless, and holding the first characters head against the wall also - constricting movement and asserting dominance. All of these typical conventions help the audience to identify the genre of the TV Drama Still. 

I wanted my still image to allow the audience to decode the genre and convey key themes of the genre and wider narrative. The still is a mid-shot, allowing the audience to see all the information acting as genre signifiers, yet not showing everything in the setting to convey a sense of enigma. The mid-shot also allows the audience to see the facial expressions of both characters, letting the audience feel a part of the action and included within the action. The gun, dark clothing, bling, urban setting and position in frame and against the wall allow the audience to decipher the semic codes. The clear conflict between the two characters and power struggle within the still, help to spike the audience's interest and help to communicate clear themes typical of the genre. 

This still successfully conveys the key themes and aspects of the genre. It interests the audience by using characters, composition and mise-en-scene to portray a feeling of conflict and struggle - typical of the chosen genre. If I were to repeat this activity, I would put the camera closer to the characters - creating a medium close-up composition. This would increase emphasis on both characters facial expressions and would create a greater sense of enigma and mystery; which are both key conventions of the crime genre. It would also make the still seem more intimate - increasing the audience's empathy towards the situation and the characters in the wider narrative. 

Our group storyboard used for planning and
shooting our stills. 

TV Drama Still Image Analysis

The Crown is a Costume period Drama set in England in the 1950's, following Queen Elizabeth II through her early years as Queen. In this still, we see Queen Elizabeth II standing in the centre and looking at something out of the frame. She is taking up the entire middle third with her face and costume. This helps to portray her as the most important and powerful character in the frame and allows the audience to clearly see her costume; enabling them to identify the genre of the TV Drama as well as enforcing her role and dominance on-screen. 

A warm, yellow light shines mostly in the middle third, leaving the rest of the frame in comparative darkness. This juxtaposition shows her importance and authority over the other characters in the frame and also highlights her costume and facial features. Elizabeth's costume is a very light colour and is very extravagant with lots of different textures. This juxtaposes with the other costumes in frame - which are all darker colours and plainer; with fewer accessories and textures. 

Prince Phillip is standing behind Elizabeth and is less prominent within the frame, yet still dominates the right-hand third of the still. This elevates him above the commoners grouped in the left-hand third. He is also looking at something outside the frame and is the second most prominent character in the frame - showing his role as a helper rather than a protagonist.