FINAL EDITING WORKSHOP

In order to fully prepare ourselves for our shoot day, we took part in another editing workshop for our coursework, specifically focusing on editing with sound and dialogue; after our last two camera workshops, we had already acquired the knowledge to set up our camera and tripod so when doing this in this specific workshop, it was easily manageable.  

Our job to start off was to film a short sequence including some sort of dialogue. The skills we had learnt previously during workshops were applied during this workshop; for example the camera techniques such as using the master coverage method whereby we filmed according: wide shot, mid shot, close up, extreme close up and then any other camera angles or movement we saw fit best for the specific conventions of the sequence. The professionalism required on set was also translated from the previous experience that we had and the lingo used on sets; I personally found this indeed helped make the filming process much smoother and created a better work environment.  

We did however run into difficulties when setting up the camera, as we were unsure on the order to follow as it had been quite some time since we last physically handled cameras. To solve this, we visited the blog posts that we had made previously and learnt from the information that we had written down for a step to step set up guide. However, this meant that we could revisit the knowledge that was already and further practise setting the camera up, ready for our actual shoot day. It was important that during this final editing and camera workshop, that we could learn from our mistakes and improve upon them so that we are fully capable of filming for our final shoot. 

 When it came to actually filming the dialogue sequence, we got Jemma and Tom to sit down and act out a simple conversational scene; we then followed the master coverage system after setting up the cameras, making sure the bubble it, focus, check the white balance, look for the 180 degrees rule. After watching the clips back later when it came to editing, I do however believe that we could have paid more attention, during the filming, on the camera composition to add more depth with the types of shots. For example, in one of the shots we filmed, we positioned an extreme close up of Jemma's face in the centre of the screen; now after watching this back, we understood that including the rule of thirds in this shot would have made it much more visually pleasing. 

 Another way in which we could have improved the actual filming aspect of this coursework was through the panning method that we filmed; after watching one of the panning shots back, we realized that the start of the pan and the finish of the pan were the most important parts so that when it comes to editing, you are able to edit in all of the other parts whilst still having the continuity of a strong opening and strong finish. 

 For the next time we shoot, which will be for our final opening sequence, there are a few major details that we must pay attention to when filming; Firstly, we need to consider of the camera composition and rule of thirds to make sure our shots are full of life and depth and are visually pleasing for the audience. Secondly, we really need to prepare and block our shots out carefully so that the shots are detailed and the shoot day is smooth and sufficient. Another point that was acknowledged when watching back the shots was the positioning of the mic throughout the filming being too far away from the actors and not picking up the sound very well which was apparent when editing. Otherwise, filming during the workshop went smoothly and I felt afterwards that I had acquired a broad understanding of what it takes to be a camera operator, director, and sound operator. 

When it came to editing, the process followed us watching back our shots in pairs, paying specific detail to the sound and more so the function of the narrative itself. After filming our sequences previously, in this editing workshop we had to watch back all the footage, apply the knowledge that we already had from the previous editing workshop when it came to cutting down the rushes, naming them and putting them in the correct bins and then the actually making our sequences which we could do multiple times, all in different orders.  

We firstly started our by watching back all of the raw rushes and naming them and then adding them to the footage bin; next we started out by editing our sequences using the ‘ping pong’ method whereby the camera would essentially cut on action and the actor speaking would be shown and vice versa. This specific type of editing forced us to pay closer attention to the sound of the dialogue, especially being careful when cutting too soon on the dialogue itself. This problem was overcome by the vast number of shots that we took on the day of filming which was extremely helpful as we had a lot of footage to choose from.  

When looking into the sound aspect of editing, we learn new skills that we could use to help emulate and correct the sound within our sequences; firstly, you must click the footage that you would like to use in the timeline panel, then right click and find the function to ‘unlink’ which will detach the video element from the sound element of the shot. Next we could them delete unneeded sound shots that weren't displaying any dialogue and move the one containing the sound to match the previous shot. This means that the sound can flow fluidly from one shot to another; however, if this is not enough then you can click on the audio section on the left of the screen above the rushes and add in the ‘constant power’ t by dragging it in-between shots. This allows the sound within the sequence to be much more fluid. We next looked at a different editing technique that followed the narrative and the ‘power positions’ within the scene. We were asked to work out which ‘character’ we felt needed to be given the power within the scene or if the power/ focus shifts from one character to another. This meant that when editing, we had to look at the reactions of the character that we were focusing on and elongating their scene time perhaps. This was a much more interesting way of editing as it adds the depth needed for the sequence to work well. Again, we used the knowledge provided from previous editing workshops to complete this task.   

When completing these editing tasks, there were a few mistakes that we noticed that slightly hindered the editing process; in certain shots, it was clear that we hadn't focused the camera In during filming which through off the continuity and meant some shots were unable to be used. When it comes to filming our final opening sequences, we will need to make sure that we follow the correct step to step guid when setting up each shot:  

- Bubbling the camera  

- Checking white balance  

- Focusing in  

Next, we noticed that the camera composition in some shots were boring and lacked any visual excitement which meant again some shots were unable to be used; when we come to do our opening sequences, we will need to focus our attention on the rule of thirds.

We did, however, correctly follow the 180 degrees rule which is extremely important for the story telling to make sense and so there is no confusion of the characters geography.  

Approaching our final shooting day, in order to prepare fully for the not only the filming aspect but also when it comes to editing the sequence, it is important to keep in mind a few points; making sure we get all the footage using the master coverage method, and keeping the continuity will be an important factor but also making sure the sound is smooth and clearly audible for the audience.