Camera exercise writing assessment

Camera exercise - writing assessment

In my groups camera exercise, the story we were trying to create was of a girl who was lost in a large building that appeared to have something else in it. This caused her to develop paranoia and try to exit the building which started off to be difficult as she was being followed.

We did try to include all different shot types and camera movements, but we didn't manage to, as we had to learn how to use the camera first which took up some our camera time in the beginning. Also we didn't get use every shot due to the fact we didn't know how to do them.

These are all the different camera techniques:

• Long shot
• Medium shot
• Close up
• Extreme close up
• Point of view 
• Over the shoulder 
• Low angle
• High angle
• Pan
• Tilt
• Crane shot
• Tracking shot 
• Rolling shot

Long shots were used during the camera exercise, as we needed a lot of long running shots. We used this particular shot to create a scene as we needed something to start the camera piece off with, that would grab the audience’s attention but would also cause confusion as they don't know what is happening. The movement of running empathised that the girl was being followed. The long shot was then again used to show the audience who is following the girl. These long shots were successful as the action was captured and is great for the camera exercise.

The next shot used was the medium shot. This was used to draw the audience in so they can see the action, as the girl gets pulled through the door. This adds suspense to the camera exercise. The medium shot was also successful as the audience don't miss any action in that scene.

The medium shot is then used effectively to cut to the next camera shot which is the close up. The girl has escaped again and is heavily breathing against a wall, which the close up shot shows. We choose this shot, as we could show the audience that the girl is safe and also to show her relief. This was a great shot. Another medium shot was used to show the girl running again as she is looking for an escape. 

This then cuts to the next shot, which is the low angle shot. This is used to show how fast the girl is running down the stairs as she is scared and wants to leave the building as fast as she can. This was used effectively as it was cut from the medium shot which was presented well. 

Lastly, the point of view shot was used effectively. It told the audience, as the girl walked through the doors, that she is finally free. This was a good idea as it put the audience in the girl’s shoes just for a moment so that they can feel the relief she feels, as she has escaped.  This was a very successful shot.

My technical capabilities were quite good, although at the beginning I did not hold the camera shots steady. As I had never used a cam recorder before, which I quickly adapted to and learned how to use it properly. That led me to then start to shot each frame more appropriately. 

In conclusion, the most positive elements of my groups film was all the long shots, as I filmed them all appropriately which gave the film more of a depth and made the story line flow. In all of this, the camera exercise still needs improvements, as it isn't long enough and also it needs more camera shot ranges, as the same camera ranges are repeated. Which in some ways makes the camera exercise develop, but also make it boring.