Preliminary: The final cut

Preliminary: Editing

In our group we edited the sequence together using Adobe Premier, none of use had ever used the program but we where used to Windows Movie Maker and iMovie. The editing was quite simple to get used to as it was self explanatory, and the biggest problem we had was the problem with the T drive set up, as it was not active the first day of editing. So we needed to use Mr Turners login to get on with the editing. Because we filmed on top of an existing tape we had separations because of the filming, so as we inserted the video into Adobe Premier we had to select the sequence we wanted and press the record icon to separate the shots. This was very time consuming but we manage to do this with no problem.

As we filmed very roughly, we needed to cut and trim some of the shots testing, how the sequence flowed. We stayed with the transition as majority straight cuts showing continuity because it was the some time and place.

In the editing stage we made some decisions that were not planned as the black and white effect that we added to the video. We chose black and white because as we were looking at the possible effects that could be included in the video, black and white made the video look like it was expressing the scenario of a top secret meeting. Also we added a shot title of the film, because it separated the inside to the outside, we faded into and out of the title showing the setting had changed.

Preliminary: Filming

As a group we started filming, we checked the story board to know where to start. We decided to go through the story board chronologically, so we got a camera and a tri-pod and set up outside. I was filming and Tom Hall was the Actor playing as the agent, the filming went well but getting use to moving the camera to pan was quite difficult at the start, so we needed to take a few takes to perfect the the opening shot. After we where outside, we started filming in the corridor. The story board said we needed to track, but as we did not have tracks to move the camera on. I filmed Tom as he walked down the corridor, using the camera hand held, this also added to the feel of the setting and scenario. For the shot of Tom opening the door was quite simple, just two close shot of the handle from both sides making the shots flow. For the conversation scene we filmed both characters separate, running through the script twice. Lastly the handover of the package we filmed the scene several times in different angles so we had more footage to edit and choose what looks better.

Preliminary: Planning

In the group we had several ideas that could be used to make a short sequence, showing a conversation with at least 2 people. We First looked at some ideas, mind mapping anything we could think of, some of the ideas where: a bank robbery, a drug deal, and a meeting. In the end we decided we where using the secret agent theme, for a meeting to deliver top secret information inside a brief case. After thinking that though the idea, we though about location and props, because of the time we had we had to choose a in-school location, so we though the same room we where in would potentially be the meeting place, and for props a simple black coat/ jacket could represent the agents mysterious clothing, and the brief case could be a school over-shoulder bag.


Taking in considerations of the main filming rule of 180 degrees for continuity, and some action match and shot reverse shot, we started story boarding the scenario.



Story Boarding


This is an image of the story board we created, showing shot-by-shot explaining, what the shot is and the movement, and if there is dialogue in the shot, noted who would be speaking. We had an idea of starting outside as the agent is arriving at the location of the meeting. The use of camera following the agent in a pan, shows that he is an important character in the sequence. To add to the entrance to the building the agent opens door and as the door is closing the shot changes to a zoomed in shot of the door closing. The shot afterwards would be a tracking shot as the the agent arrives at the room, in the corridor. and as the agent reaches to open the door the camera zooms in and then for the action match the shot of the other side of the door. Inside the room to show the other person involved (the leader), we decided to use a over-shoulder shot of the agent looking at the agent, putting the audience in a high perspective to the scene showing the importance of the agent in the scene, the shot stays in an over-shoulder shot as the agent walks to his seat. To show the conversation, we decided to use shot-reverse-shot switching between the characters speaking about the mission, close shots of their faces with a space in front of their faces, showing they are speaking to each other. For the exchange of the brief case, we wanted to show both hands on the brief case, then an over-shoulder shot of the leader of the operation, as the agent leaves the room. The over-shoulder is to show that the leader has power because of the prop and its contents.

The dialogue


Tom and I then though of what the character would say when they where in the meeting, we came up with short dialogues, we then had to choose from the versions. The final dialogue most fitting to the scene and scenario was this, (A= agent, L= leader):


L: Ah, Wilson. I see you have brought the package.


A: Yes, I have.


L: Was it difficult to obtain.


A: Well, there were some complications, but they have been dealt with.


L: Of course, you're sure you weren't followed here?


A: I wouldn't be sitting here if I was.


L: That's true. Thank, you, Wilson. You have done well with this assignment.


After that point we though we where ready to start filming.