Preliminary task

During the preliminary task, we used a tripod to attach the camera to in order to reduce shakiness of the lens and to create more professional video clips. Before attaching the camera to the tripod, we needed to work out what height that we wanted the camera to be and consequently we had to adjust the length of the tripod legs using the knobs on the side of the legs. We then had to attach the camera by pressing the button on the side of the stand, which allowed us to slide the camera into place on the stand. We then had to flick the switch on the side of the camera to ensure that the camera stayed fixed in that place. We then bubbled the camera to ensure that the camera was level. We did this by looking at the small circle of liquid on the camera stand whilst adjust the lever underneath the tripod until the bubble fitted into the smaller circle. However, there are also benefits of not using a tripod. Using a handheld shot, it allows the audience to experience someone else’s perspective which lets the audience to experience the emotions felt by the character.

White balance

The process of telling the camera what the white looks like under the current lighting environment. Once the camera has established what white looks like, it can then balance the rest of the colours in that environment to match that white. To do this, use a white surface like a piece of paper and ensure that the light falls onto this piece of paper.  Face the camera towards it and zoom in on the piece of paper. Press the white balance button, and zoom out again. White balancing is simple in a single-lighting environment, but there is problems if there are mixed light sources. To solve this problem, a mixed white balance must be used. To do this, ensure that both types of lighting fall equally onto the piece of paper, and then white balance the camera. Without white balance, the camera will be set to automatic which will produce unwanted results and bad lighting.

Exterior - Daylight – cool, blue

Interior - Tungsten – warm, orange

180 degree rule

We nearly made the mistake of breaking the 180 degree rule, as we started to record from a position which reversed the two characters positions in relation to each other. Luckily, we managed to spot this mistake at the time, so we were able to record the scene again but from a position which didn’t break the 180 degree rule. Had we not spotted this problem, we could have shown the camera moving as we crossed over the 180 degree line, however this wasn’t necessary. 

During our preliminary task, we used the following terminology to indicate to the actors when we were about to start recording:

STAND BY / STANDING BY - readys everyone into position for the take. The AD calls STAND BY and the response tells them that everyone is prepped

TURN OVER / TURNING OVER (Roll film/Rolling etc) The director tells the camera operator to start filming - a few seconds of film is then run as the camera gets up to speed - this is often referred to as LEAD IN. Once done the Camera operator will respond TURNING OVER or ROLLING (etc) to indicate being up to speed

ACTION! - Cue for the actors to perform the take, and the crew to do their jobs. It is good practice for the Director to let the film run on a further few seconds after the take is completed before cutting - this is referred to as LEAD OUT

CUT! - Cue for the camera to stop running film. Industry practice expects that the camera operator does not CUT before being told