Our first task was to create a short sketch in order to practice continuity. We used a range of shots and techniques and got to grips with the equipment and the rules of continuity while filming.
From this first exercise, we learnt the importance of the 180 degree rule, in which if the subject is walking or moving across the screen from left to right, the rest of their movements in that sequence should also move from left to right. This rule exists for the purpose of continuity. Another thing we learnt from our first practice was to use a range of shots, such as a match-on-action shot, close-ups, extreme close-ups, low angles, wide shots and reaction shots. Also, that jump cuts are only appropriate in some contexts, such as a video diary perhaps, and that they look like an unprofessional mistake in most films. We came across the problem of a jump cut in this sketch and so we rectified it and learnt to avoid them in the making of our thriller film opening.
