Shooting a Dialogue Sequence

Matt informed us that we were to create a minimal dialogue sequence within small groups, we followed each step of the shooting process individually to gage an understanding of how to use the equipment correctly before shooting. 

When beginning the shooting process, Matt's previous camera workshops helped the development profoundly and helped enhance our personal techniques in context of utilising camera equipment. Before we started properly shooting, we revised Matt's terminology such as 'call outs' and the 'yours / mine rule' to amplify practicality. Then, when shooting we followed the process Matt taught us, involving the tripod, camera battery, microphone (etc). We then began looking at the artistic / compositional elements of filming, such as the 'rule of thirds' and the '180 degree rule'. 

We ran into a few problems, such as the sound / the utilisation of panning. Unfortunately, the sound captured little of the dialogue due to the microphone stick being placed too far away from the actors. To prevent this from happening again, we concluded that on the day of shooting, we'd ensure the microphone captured all dialogue / overall sound by placing the microphone closer to the actors speaking. When utilising camera methods / techniques such as panning, it's hard to make look perfect when your set is lacking in a visually alluring appearance. Due to the set design, the panning left a mediocre effect on audiences when reviewing the footage. We'll ensure that if utilising panning or tracking, we have an alluring set design / location that enthrals audiences rather than detouring them. 

It then came to the editing process, we used 'Adobe Premiere Pro' to edit / decipher our initial outcomes. Me and a member of my production group, Bea deciphered the footage we captured. Matt taught us the intricate process of editing and some useful terminology, this was all new / thrilling to me. As due to complications with COVID 19, I was unable to attend the last editing workshop. We entered the editing suite, and were told the absolute basics of how to edit using the 'ping pong' technique, where you cut every time someone speaks purely focusing on the dialogue. We then sat down with our footage from the shooting process & deciphered clips, coming to terms with what could / couldn't be utilised. We were then taught how to use 'constant power' in order to blend background noise from one clip to the other. 

We then edited the sequence, embellishing the basic standard of editing. 

The skills that we learnt consisted of 'ping pong' editing & the utilisation of 'constant power' and how to establish power / status or how Matt referred to it 'who's winning in the sequence'. The first skill we learnt was 'ping pong' editing, which consists of back & forth cuts that display the character every time they speak onscreen. This basic form of editing establishes character, as well as dialogue thoroughly. We then learnt how to utilise 'constant power', which is a form of editing that correlates to sound. If the background noise doesn't match from cut to cut, you can use 'constant power' to ensure that the audio flows smoothly into the next clip almost like a seamless transition. We then learnt how to establish who's winning within the scene. Matt pointed out that reaction to mega moments within the sequence, help embellish the status / power. The facial expression captured / the long shot duration can indicate who's most important within the sequence. 

We made quite a couple mistakes due to sound. Since the audio wasn't captured correctly within the shooting process, whilst editing due to the lack of audio volume, we couldn't quite hear the dialogue. So unfortunately, there are small repeats of dialogue due to lack of audio volume. To ensure we don't endure this problem within the future, we'll ensure that all audio is captured correctly by confirming the microphone is above / near the sound being captured. 

The '180 degree rule' was followed within the film. Due to the set design / the implement of the sofa, we were able to establish the '180 degree rule' successfully. We captured all angles required within the shooting process, to ensure the '180 degree rule' was implemented. 

When deciphering the footage, me and Bea realised that we could've ensured there wasn't too much head space. As within some clips, there's a large amount of head space. We also could've focused on the 'rule of thirds' more within the shooting process, to make sure all clips are composed beautifully. 

On the day of shooting, as camera operator I'll ensure that there's never too much head space & I'll ensure to compose the scene beautifully focusing on elements of composition such as the 'rule of thirds'. I will also confirm that the microphone is capturing sound correctly, by ensuring the microphone is above / near the sound being captured. Overall, I'll approach the editing process of my sequence with excitement. As editing is what truly makes the footage come alive and your production group finally sees the outcome of their hard work!