Continuity
Continuity within films is where the props, characters, places and objects seen by the viewer is kept consistent over a period of time. When it is noticeable that something has changed (i.e. a man has a watch on his wrist in one shot, and in the next shot, he has no watch) then it is called a continuity error. Continuity errors are often subtle and not noticeable, but when noticed can sometimes ruin the illusion of the film. This video shows some examples of continuity errors in popular films:
180 Degree Rule
The 180 Degree Rule in film-making is where there is an invisible line between two characters or a character and an object that the camera should not cross. If the line is crossed, then the characters magically change sides and swap places, or their eyeline doesn't quite meet the other character, which can disorientate the audience. This video explains the 180 Degree Rule, how to stick to it, and what to avoid.
Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is the composition of a frame or of an image. The frame/image is divided up in to 9 equal sections, to make it look more satisfying to the audience and to make it look more visually appealing.
The still of Morgan Freeman in the film se7en shows the rule of thirds. The subject (Morgan) is placed at a point where two of the lines cross. His eyes are on the level with the horizontal line, and his body is lined up with the vertical line on the right, with an equal amount of the background behind him.
An image or a frame can be split into diagonal equal sections aswell, however this isn't considered to be a proper use of rule of thirds, but it still does work, as it can add an interesting dimension to a frame or an image that is different to the traditional rule of thirds. The image above shows the red lines in which a frame can be split in to, to give an interesting look to an image or a frame.
Shots
There are many different types of shots that can be used in film-making:
Establishing shot (EST): Establishes where the action takes place - sets the scene.
Wide shot (WS): Often (but not always) used as an establishing shot.
Long shot (LS): A shot which shows all or most of a fairly large subject.
Medium long shot (MLS): Knees to head with some background.
Medium shot (MS): Waist to head.
Medium two shot (M2S): Similar to MS, but with two people.
Medium close up (MCU): Head and shoulders.
Close Up (CU): Shows a character's face, used to show emotion.
Big close up (BCU): Forehead to chin, used to show extreme emotion.
Extreme close up (ECU): A very tight shot, for example someone's eye or a door handle.
Over the shoulder (OTS): Used during a conversation, MCU and the other person's head/shoulder/back etc.
Overhead shot (OH): Camera will be directly over the actors.
High angle (H/A): Could be used to make the object/person look powerless.
Low angle (L/A): Could be used to make the object/person look powerful.
Deep shot (DS): When something is in the foreground and something else is in the background.
I now understand some of the basic rules that will allow me to produce high quality coursework. I will start with the prescribed Preliminary Task.
