11th of February, Continuity Editing

Today we reviewed the different elements of continuity editing. This was mainly looking at different transitions between scenes, how to incorporate flashbacks, filming techniques (like eye-level filming and the 180 degree rule) and establishing shots. I was definitely an inquiring learner today (see below for IB learner profile) as I was really interested in why different techniques were used. I also got into a discussion as to what can be disregarded in the name of art, as I have witnessed many movies that do not follow the continuity rules that were presented today. I was interested because when the times comes when I get to shoot and edit a film, I want to know what I can and can't do.

We were then allowed to go in groups to film a scene (from a given choice) and I went with Ella, Adrian, Catherine and Sarah. We altered our scene a bit to give it more meaning, and so that we could play with the continuity in the ways that we know how. We decided to incorporate a flashback, so that while editing we could use a transition (such as fade in/ fade out etc.) and get comfortable with including different transitions. As I was one of the actors in the scene, it was hard for me to give any sort of input as to how they were filming us, but I was interested nonetheless, and I asked questions and gave tips where I thought appropriate. Our scene is actually quite simple, and we didn't get around to editing it properly in the end as we ran out of time. 

Inquirers: Develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

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I went back to edit the footage out of class on friday, alone, so that I could use the software without other people there to argue with my artisitic choices. I tried to include lots of different shots of the scene to 'establish' it, as we didn't really have an establishing shot in itself. I was not sure how to transition between the current scene and the flashback, so at the moment it is just a straight cut, which I know does not adhere to the continuity rules, so we will have to edit that. I also played with the sound, and I cut the sound from the flashback so that the current scene soundtrack plays over the flashback scene to create more of an 'in the mind' feel.