Preliminary Task
  <<<< This was our location
On Tuesday 23rd November we filmed our preliminary task in St James' Church in Weybridge. We chose to do it at about 5pm as by this time it was dark. The weather was freezing which created a mist and because the the grave yard in front of the church has lights shining upwards it really emphasized the mist and created a brilliant effect for our task. It very much reminded me of a thriller film. We took some shots when we first got there of the church and the graveyard. The church was lit up beautifully. Our filiming worked really well and were able to practice with loads of different shots and angles. The church inside was a perfect location for what we were trying to achieve. Inside the church is was cold and lonely and our filming picked up on this very much creating an atmosphere. In our preliminary we created the idea that Anna was a weird, abnormal child who spent most of her time in the church sitting quietly, oblivious to everything around her. Meme was a happy girl who enjoyed spending time in the church gathering her thoughts and praying. Meme finds Anna sitting rocking on the pue in the church, starring at a candle just below the beautiful stained glass window. In our preliminary we had to show somebody walking and opening a door, walking across a room and having a conversation which someone. As easy as it sounds, it took us quite a bit of thinking to come up with how we were going to portray this. I filmed Meme walking up to the church door and opening it, she then walked down the church isle and put a set of keys on a table. As she was turning around she realised Anna sitting, rocking and starring at the candle. She sat down on the pue opposite her and asked her if she was okay. Anna did not respond to Meme so Meme asked Anna again and Anna then responded in an angry manner "I'm fine".  In our preliminary we were able to capture close ups, long shots, 180 degree rule and shot reverse shot. In my opinion our preliminary worked really well, it gave me a better feel for how the camera worked and we were able to play around and try out different types of angles. The church worked really well as it makes it look scary and very thriller like.

Ideas for preliminary task

In our groups we've started to think of ideas for our preliminary task. As there is four of us in our group we thought it would be quite easy to work with as we can really focus on the different types of camera angles we use as well as creating a thriller.
We liked the idea of a church at night, we believed this would create a very creepy effect and therefore would be an ideal location.

Possible Camera shots

In the film instrustry there are many types of camera angles. For our A level exam we are limited to what angles we can use. Some of the camera angles we have looked at using in our piece are:

Wide Angle shot

Showing a wider view of a scene. It gives the audience a chance to see the bigger picture and allows them to see more of what is going on.

Framing shot

Using a piece of set or scenery to frame a shot. It highlights whatever is in the frame to the audience.

Point of view shot

Camera shot as if through the eyes of protagonist or character. It gives an interesting view and allows the audience to understand what the character is seeing.

Two-shot

When two people are in the shot. Highlights and shows the relationship between the two characters.

Establishing shot

A shot, often outside, that indicates where the action will take place. Allows the audience to know more about what they are watching. Sets the scene- sets the mood and atmosphere of the drama.

Close up

Close in to a face or item. It creates an atmosphere, adds emphasis and allows the audience to see things in greater detail. ie.facial expressions.

Low angle shot

From below the actor or set. Gives the person being filmed a high status or to create a sense of height.

High angle shot

Taken from above. Gives the person being filmed a lower status or to create a sense of depth.