Accident Video, Continuity Task (12C Group 1, Analysis)

Task 1
1. I think that the activity had two main aims. 1; to improve our general camera and film skills and 2; to help us understand the theories and execution of continuity.
2. In my opinion I think that the shoot worked well because of the master shot that appears two times in the sequence. It allows us (the audience) to understand the situation and how it evolves. The close ups of the two characters also works because we can see the expression and mood they are in, which in this case is tiredness. Furthermore, I think the sequence fitted together well via the editing. The shots flow together smoothly with no appearance of jumpy cuts. In addition, the group obeyed most of the rules of continuity. They managed to stick in the guidlines of all of the rules apart from the 180degree rule. Which is an easily forgotten rule. Finally, the narrative of the sequence was easily understood. The simple plot of a chair crash in the computer rooms worked well with the environment they were given. It is easy for all viewers to understand and also makes everyone laugh.
3. Looking back at the sequence, I think that the group could have improved on the angles of the shots. Firstly, the close-ups of the two characters are shot from the wrong side of the line, meaning they break the 180degree rule. This instantly reduces continuity of the sequence. Secondly, I think the shot of Jacob on the floor at the end is the wrong shot type. The full body shot they use does convey the aftermath of the incident well, however if they chose another close-up on jacobs face we could see some emotion which would put the viewer in on the action. Furthermore, I think that the sequence coud have been editted better in that, there is a short clip of Joe babbling on about something irrelevant to the narrative. If this had been editted out of the sequence the overall result would have been much better.
4. From doing this activity I have learnt the main rules of continuity and how we can put them into practice, it has taught me how important this continuity is and how it can completely affect what the viewer sees. It also helped me to evaluate sequences in a critical way as i have not done media before, therefore have no experience of this.