Last camera workshop

Today was our last workshop.

We had to make a sequence using all the techniques and elements that we have learn't in the previous workshops. We were given a brief which gave us instruction as to what we have to do. We had to be in groups of at least 4 (director/camera, boom pole and two characters) and follow a script with some dialogue taking turns to be on camera.

180 degree rule

We also had to follow the 180 degree rule. This is keeping the camera in the same section of action if cutting between people talking. Going outside the 180 degrees it will distract the audience as the viewer will find it difficult to understand. See the diagram.

I grouped with Josh, Leo and Sam. Sam started on camera while I was on screen being a character. Sam had difficulty being on camera using the correct settings, Fergus helped and got us off to a start. I suggested a few things to Sam but he was directing so it was his role to decide on what happens.
I enjoyed being on screen and thought I did well being a character. Josh was next on camera while I was boom operator. I have done this before so I felt confident doing this, I enjoyed it and got a good crisp sound. I kept asking Josh if the boom was in frame which he said it wasn't. The end result showed that majority of the shots the boom could be seen at some point. Both Josh and I was annoyed by this but I kept checking during production. After a break it was my turn to direct and be on camera. I took time setting up my shot and going through the script with the characters. Josh was on boom and I directed him to hold it over the characters to get clear enough sound. I found it challenging directing as sometimes people were not listening, I was on camera too so I found it hard to do both. The end result looked quite good but if we had more time it would have been much better.
Overall I think it was a great workshop combining all of what we have learn't but we also had a few problems which was unfortunate.

The video will be uploaded shortly.