For a couple of weeks we have been learning how to set up and use a video camera and film are own scene. The first thing we learnt was how to set up the tripod and fit the camera onto the top. Next we learnt to bubble the tripod this leveled the balance, the point of this is to steady the camera to get a still shot. Next we learnt the operations of a camera. Timecode, how long you record for. White balancing, which is establishing the correct light and exposure levels. Focusing, we focused on things in the classroom to understand focusing at different distances. The tripod is important because there is a clear difference from this to the handheld, the tripod allows the shot to be filmed completely still.
Then we had to incorporate different camera shots into our scene, such as a wide shot, over the shoulder shot, close up shot and a point of view shot. We also had to follow rules like the 180 degree rule, The 180 degree rule is a basic guideline in film making that states that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. Continuity editing, continuity editing is important because it smooths over the scene so editing is harder to spot. Spacial relationship is also important this is getting everything in the right place when the camera angles change.
Finally before we filmed are scenes we learnt what to call out such as Stand by/Standing by, this shows everyone is ready. Roll film/Rolling film, the director is telling the cameraman to start filming. Action is a cue for the actors to start performing the scene. Cut, cue for the camera man to stop filming. Then we filmed our first scene. There were a few mistakes but the main one was breaking the 180 degree rule.
