Evaluation of Accident Sequence

1. What do you think was the point to the activity?

This activity required us to make a six shot sequence of an accident taking place. The point of this activity was to learn more about continuity, how important it is and the rules that need to be followed to achieve a realistic sequence. The main purpose of all of this was also to give us knowledge on narrative flow and how important it is when delivering a storyline. We also needed to learn about the order of shots and the effect each shot gives so this exercise was very helpful in teaching us this through mistakes that we might have made.

2. In regard to your finished sequence, what worked well?

There are a few things that I think worked quite well with my finished sequence and that I am pleased with. Firstly, with the first shot, a LS of the two girls facing each other we can see both their surrounding and the tense relationship between the two because of the distance between them. Another thing that i think worked well is the variety of shots shown which makes the whole sequence more interesting. There is a over the shoulder (putting the audience within the action), a close up (showing the angry facial expression of one of the characters) and a High Angle shot showing a reverse in power with how this character isn't as tough as we first think. Finally, the cut-aways between is another strong point as it breaks up the action into different pieces making it more dramatic and exciting.

3. What would you aim to improve about your sequence?

There are quite a few things that I would change with this sequence as there were a lot of mistakes made. Firstly, the two characters should be walking towards each other so that the second shot of one of the girls walking ties in with the first. Also, we get to see the point of view of one of the characters so I think we should get to see the point of view of the other character to make it more interesting with a shot reverse shot between the two. The two point of view shots would have to be broken up with a master shot to remind the audience where they are in relation to one another. With the shot of the punch, there should be a match on action as the time frame between the action and reaction should be more accurate as the dodge is too slow and it looks staged. The most important thing that needs to be improved within this sequence is to do with continuity as we broke a big rule- the 180 Degree Rule. As with some shots we moved the camera right the way round, we changed the viewers perspective in such a way that they appear to have swapped places causing confusion for the viewer. This is a big continuity rule so if I was to shoot this again, I would ensure that I would not break it again.

4. What did you learn from doing this activity? simple

From doing this activity I learned how important narrative flow is and how it is not easy to achieve a perfect and believable sequence. I also learned lots of things about continuity and tips such as the 180 degree rule and the 30 degree rule to keep things in place and to stop shots from looking staged. This exercise has definitely taught me to look more carefully into the minor details that go in to creating a flowing sequence.