AS1: Task 13: Manipulating Time and Space

Manipulating Time and Space

Task:

Our task was to work in a group and produce a sequence that demonstrated the manipulation of time and space. The sequence must involve a scene including a flashback and a past memory. The sequence must involve the use of post production editing to make sure that the audience have a full understanding of what the sequence is trying to show.

Roles:

The following roles had to be assigned:

• Director
• Camera Operator
• 2x Actors

Characters:

Allegria Luyindula 

Jasmine King 

Diana Adriano

Storyboard:

Final Product:

Plot/Summary/Techniques used:

Our idea involved three friends sitting at a desk in school, in silence at the beginning of our sequence. Here we see that there is tension between the trio at first, then suddenly a flashback is added to the scene, (this was edited in black and white to create the effect of a flashback). The three friends arrange to meet up at the weekend to go to the cinema, however one of the friends (Allegria) says she already has plans to meet up with her 'boyfriend' and this annoys the other friends (Diana and Jasmine)... this soon leads up to an argument. The next scene flashes forward to the present (the first scene) as we see the trio soon confronting Allegria, stating that she never spends time with them. After this the scene fades to black.

Screenshots:

For this task, I used Adobe Premiere Pro.  

After creating the sequence and editing it, it was time to upload it.



As you can see to upload a video you would need to export the media.




















After exporting the media file, the appropriate file would need to be selected for the video to be supported. The video would have to have a selected preset as to where you would like to have your video uploaded. For this, I selected YouTube.
Once these actions have been performed, the video would need to be queued.

Effects/Tools Used:

This tool is called the 'Pen Tool'. By clicking on the yellow lines (displayed on each individual clip) you will be able to create the fading effect. 

 

This tool is called the 'Razor Tool'. This tool cuts clips that are too long/cuts them to where you would like them to be cut. 

This tool is called the 'Selection Tool'. The selection tool is used to click on clips that you want to include in your video. If you click on the razor tool (for example), to continue selecting other film clips, you will need the selection tool. For this you would need to click back onto the selection tool.

Manipulation examples:

What is the manipulation of time and space?

The manipulation of time and space involves the surroundings in a sequence being changed via speed to present how a long period of time in a sequence can be demonstrated in a short space of time instead.

The Time Machine (1960):

The manipulation of time and space is demonstrated in this scene from The Time Machine (1960). The time traveller pulls the handle back slowly at first and the audience sees the days and nights go by. The time traveller then pulls the handle back even further until day and night travels back and forth at a rapid rate.

Harry Potter: Time Turner:





This scene demonstrates Harry and Hermoine with a time turner. The time turner has been spun and the audience notes how the surroundings begin to shift. This is demonstrated through people passing by throughout the scene, right up to the beginning of the day.

AS1: Task 12: Transitions and Effects

Transitions and Effects

Style of Editing:

Moving from one shot to another shot is known as 'transition'. Transitioning can be used for the audience to gather various ideas about the sequence in the film. When using transitions, you must be accurate, otherwise the audience might not be able to have an understanding of what is about to happen.

There are different types of transitions that re used within films. The consist of:

• Straight Cut
• Dissolve
• Fade 
• Wipe

Straight Cut:

A straight cut is known as an 'invisible form' of transition and is also the most common form of transition. Used to retain reality, straight cuts are used within scenes when one scene moves to the other as the audience is totally oblivious to this movement. Straight cuts are mostly used within continuity editing due to the fact that the suspense from the audience isn't broken during the scene.

Dissolve:

A dissolve shot fades away one shot while at the same time fades a shot into the scene. We see the man fading away from the shot, yet at the same time we see the woman sitting a table, reading a book being faded into the shot. We are able to see both shots at the same time on the screen. 

Using dissolve demonstrates the correlation between the two shots in the scenes. These scenes can either include objects fading away, people, or different places. Using dissolve exemplifies the change in time between the two shots.

Fade:

A fading shot is similar to a dissolve shot, but instead it gradually gets darker on screen (or lighter) all the way until the scene in the film turns completely dark, or completely white. 

When using a fade, it's normally included in a scene to represent the beginning or end of a specific part of the sequence.

Shown opposite is an example of using a fade.

Wipe:

A wipe is an unusual type of transition. Wipe is demonstrated when one image is wiped away from the shot by another image. This is demonstrated here in a scene from the film 'Star Wars'. The new scene is pushing the scene out of the way. 

The wipe transition can push an image in any direction, however the most common shifts are to the left and sometimes the right to demonstrate the continuation of time.  

This transition provides the audience with the knowledge that different locations are being presented to them at the same time.

Graphic Match:

Graphic match is another specialised type of transition and is created when two similar shots are placed next to each other. 

This type of transition notifies the audience that there is a relation between the two shots that they are watching.

An editor will add graphic match in order to complete their decision making on which shots should be included within the shot. 

This scene from the film 'Psycho' shows the character; Marion's eye matches the shot of the plughole from the sink. The scene transitions from the plughole, then to Marion's eye. As shown below.

Taken from the film; 'Psycho 1960'

Space Odyssey (2001):

Another film that uses graphic match is Space Odyssey. Space Odyssey shows the a bone being thrown into the air and then turns into a satellite in space, pictured below.









Here is a film clip from the film that shown the
graphic match shot taking place.

     

War of the Worlds (2005):

At the beginning of the film we notice how there are various adaptations occurring in the world. A few graphic match shots are demonstrated when we see a water droplet transform into the earth. After this, the earth then transforms into a right traffic light. Shown below is a film clip of this.

Manipulation of Diegetic Time and Space:

It is blatant that several (practically all) films use transitions and effects that catch the audience's attention and even more effects are added to the film during the final stages of editing.
The use of time and space in films is essential because it portrays the specific time period where certain activities have been changed throughout time. Flashbacks/flashforwards are demonstrated here.
Editing allows a film maker to demonstrate the difference between several locations throughout a specific time period and it also allows the film maker to show the difference between the paces that time is moving at - either quickly, or slowly.

Editing not only involves the speed or transitions, but it can include the filters that are used within the images in a scene. This is seen in many films.

Wizard of OZ

This scene shown below portrays Dorothy being trapped inside of a tornado. After a while, Dorothy is hit on the head by a broken window and then is knocked out. As soon as Dorothy regains consciousness, she enters the world of technicolour and says to her dog, along the lines of; "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore". We see that technicolour isn't proper colouring on screen and how space has been manipulated as Dorothy enters a new found land.

Taken from the film; 'Magic Mike'

As film makers make adjustments to their films, the images that have been shot can be edited to change their saturation. This can involve an image transition from an a coloured image, to a black and white image. Black and white images often represent a flashback.

Taken from the film; 'Memento'

Moreover we see how time and space is manipulated in films and an example of this is depicted in the film; 'The Time Machine' where we see the time traveller travel through time using his time machine.  As the time traveller travels through time, we note how his surroundings alter throughout time. Here is a quick clip from the film.

The Time Machine (1960):

The camera focuses on the clock in this scene as we see time going backwards. The flowers here are also distorted as we see them come to life and then shrivel up and die.

Parts of this scene are achieved through the technique of altering the speed of an image.

There was a remake of this film which came to cinemas in 2002.

The Time Machine (2002):

This is an example of a modern version of using this effect.

During this scene, we see as the time traveller travels through time, the daytime comes and soon afterwards nighttime follows rapidly.

The seasons quickly come and go as we see the glass roof be covered with frost and the leaves cover the glass.

This is showing how time and space is used within films. It could lead the audience to be curious as to what will occur in the next scene. We don't know if there is going to be an error when using the time machine.

Harry Potter Time Turner (2004):

Another modern day example of using this effect would be from the film; 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'.

More effects are included in this film and this is where we see the use of layering and changing the speeds of the image. Shown below is a short clip. 

This scene shows Hermoine (Emma Watson) spinning the time turner. Once this action has been performed, the other characters are seen rapidly entering and exiting the scene. This portrays the change of speed within the scene. 

Soon after the clock stops spinning, we see Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Hermoine alone in a room. The room previously was occupied by Dumbledore (Albus Percival) and Ronald (Rupert Grint).

AS1: Task 11: Creating Pace with Cross Cutting

Creating Pace with Cross Cutting

When creating a film sequence it is vital to focus on the pacing. Editing plays a huge role within the pace of a film sequence as well. 

Our Task:

Our task was to form a group and create and edit a film sequence which depicted two or more characters approaching each other from different locations. We had to assign the following roles for this task:

• Director
• Camera Operator
• 2x Actors 

Cast and Crew:

Characters:

Samuel Aworinde

Bradley Scamell
Shivam Sharma

Camerawoman:

Diana Adriano

Boompole/Mic:

Jasmine King

Idea/Plot:

The idea was to was to present pacing in our work and make the plot clear to the audience watching what is about to happen. To begin, we had a slow pace to create the build up to the actual storyline itself. After this, the pace should've gotten faster as the film sequence is leading up to the main part of the sequence.

As a group, our plot consisted of classmates, Bradley and Samuel in a deep discussion about smuggling drugs into the school where they can take them in secret. They both devise a plan to leave their classroom where they can take the drugs - hoping not to be caught. Unfortunately to their dismay, Samuel actually drops the drugs on the floor. After their lesson, the teacher, Shivam comes across the drugs in the corridor and later expels the pair.

Shown below is the storyboard and final, edited film sequence my group and I created.

                                                         

In order to create pace with cross cutting in our film sequence, we created a plot which included a slow pacing start. As the plot thickens, tension rises as the two characters (Samuel and Bradley) are about to be caught out by their teacher.

We see the use of pace when the characters first meet. Initially, it's a slow start when the characters enter the classroom. The scene then cross cuts to their angered teacher (Shivam) questioning why the pair are late to the lesson. The pace quickens when the two leave the classroom, with their teacher following them closely.

The pace quickens and tension builds towards the end of the sequence when the two characters are finally caught out by their teacher - resulting with a severe punishment behind the scenes. 

AS1: Task 10: Understanding Pace

Understanding Pace

In a film, each sequence relates to the pace of the film. An example of this would be to create an action packed film. When editing scenes, they would have to be quick. A scene may last for a few seconds depending on the genre itself. The speed of editing determines what takes place on the screen. The length of a sequence establishes the pace of the film moving along the action sequence. 

Creating Pace:

Filmmakers want the audience to feel anxious and have suspense - therefore editing will be quick. The scenes and shots will change frequently due to this. This is seen in the film; "The Bourne Ultimatum".

During a relaxing mood, scenes last longer and change less frequently. For example, this is represented in a romantic comedy. An example of this would be seen in the film; "The Notebook".

Gunfight Scene

During this scene from 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' we see a very slow build up towards a a gunfight scene. The pace is slow at first as the tension rises. We see the three men all stare at each other closely to see who is going to draw their gun first. Suddenly the pace rapidly increased and one man drew his gun and shot the other man. The pace shown in this scene demonstrates how the pace increases.

Russian Ark:

Throughout this film, only one edit was produced. The film was a continuous long shot throughout the entire. One scene was filmed continuously, using a 'Steadicam' and digital camera. To do this, split second timing and precise organisation would be required. If the shot was disrupted, then the scene would have to be filmed again. Shown below is the ballroom scene from Russian Ark.

           

 The Hunger Games Trailer:

A trailer involves a lot of editing and will be made to look very fast. Trailers will only include major parts of the film to create suspense through the action.

Scenes may become shorter when the film progresses due to the editing cuts. This is achieved through illustrating two or more storylines at once.

Psycho:

In this film we see the character, Marion step into the shower. There are numerous edits made during the lead up to her attack. I personally counted a total of 12 edits. This creates suspense for the audience as it leaves them in the process of establishing what is bound to happen next.

The scenes at the start of any film should be long enough to be able to gather an understanding of what is actually happening. It's also a slow process trying to introduce the protagonist, however.

Cross Cutting:

This is the process of editing two sequences together that present a connection to the audience. An event occurs at the exact same time in different locations and it demonstrates how a character is reliving a memory.

Developing Drama:

Cross Cutting is also used for effective drama development. We see this in the horror film; "Scream" when character, Casey, is demonstrated dramatically by cross cutting to her parents approaching the house and almost saving her in time before her death. 

AS1: Task 9: Non Continuity Editing

 Non Continuity

What is Non Continuity Editing?

Non Continuity Editing is a style of film making which was made popular during the 1950's and 1960's. Notably, Jean Luc Godard and François Truffaut tested their technological skill and created the new style - "French New Wave". The French New Wave didn't conform to the traditional editing etiquette of Hollywood films.

The French New Wave generally had a lack continuity and self reflexive nature. it was applied to remind the audience that they were watching a film.

There was also a lack of material, not related to any narrative and this was used to keep the audiences surprised, entertained and intrigued.

What is a Jump Cut?

A Jump Cut is the edit of jumping from one scene to another. This was placed in the film created by Jean Luc Godard; 'A Bout de Souffle' (Breathless), shown below.

We see how the woman in the car, in the stills shown below is staring directly at the road in the first shot.

In the second shot we see how the scene has a jump cut. The shot jumps to show the woman looking in to a mirror. This helps the audience figure out if she's planning on going somewhere of high importance.

A jump cut demonstrates the different uses of locations. Notably other films using jump cut scenes include E.T. in the scene where the group of boys are escaping a mob. We see how the camera focuses on one boy (Elliot) and the camera jumps closer to his face. This action is then repeated.

Here we see the camera focusing on Elliot's face. He has a shocked expression on his face and this intrigues the audience makes them wonder what is about to happen in the next scene. This is clearly effective because it increases the action in the scene.

Use of the 180 Degree Rule:


In movies, the 180 Degree Rule is often used in a effective way to create a startling effect presenting how something striking my occur in a scene to cause a fright.  We see use of the 180 Degree Rule in the film; 'The Shining'.

Film makers often break the 180 Degree Rule.
The 180 Degree Rule was broken in this scene and this is evident because we see how the characters have swapped positions, as shown below.


















The 180 Degree Rule is broken again and is also used to create confusion for the audience and this is depicted in the film; 'The Hunger Games' where we see actress Jennifer Lawrence enter a room with the bed on the left side of the room.






The 180 Degree Rule is broken in this scene because now we see Jennifer standing on the left side of the room and the bed has now been moved onto the right side of the room.

AS1: Task 8: Using Continuity Editing Techniques

Continuity Editing Techniques

In a group, a short film sequence was created  to demonstrate the forms of continuity editing through the use of film.

Our Task:

To create a film sequence and create a plot for it. The plot involved two friends meeting up and one of them breaking the news that they were moving back to France.

This film sequence involved having:

• A Director
• A Camera Operator 
• Two or more actors
• A Microphone Operator 

We created a storyboard to demonstrate the different scenes throughout our film sequence. We edited our own versions of the sequence and used different shots in order to film the sequence. These shots included:

• Shot, reverse shot
• Match on Action
• 180 Degree Rule
• Eye line Match
• Point of View

Plot/Idea:

The first still displayed depicts Allegria looking down at her phone and sending a text to Diana asking her to meet, however what Diana doesn't know is that Allegria is planning to tell her that she's moving to France forever. The two friends soon meet up in school when Diana wonders what's wrong with Allegria. Soon after Allegria breaks the news, the two friends part their ways.

Characters:

Allegria Luyindula

Diana Adriano

Techniques:

When filming, my group used a lot of techniques in our film sequence. Below I shall be explaining the following that we embedded into our sequence.

Shot, reverse shot: 

In our sequence, we filmed Allegria and Diana's conversation using shot, reverse shot. This consisted of filming one person speak at a time and then recording them each time. Shot, reverse shot could be recorded on separate days and it would create the illusion that the two characters are talking to each other face to face, when in reality they could be facing another way and could just give the impression that they were facing each other due to the shot, reverse shot. Shown below is an example of a shot, reverse shot.

Match on Action:

We used match on action in our sequence as we see Diana walking up the stairs to turn the corner. We later film Diana opening a door to walk through and sit next to Allegria. The camera was paused right before Diana actually walked through the door and later resumed play as she was filmed from inside of the room instead and she was shown walking through the door on the other side.

180 Degree Rule:

The 180 degree rule is special as it isn't allowed to be broken. We used this technique in our sequence to film around Diana and Allegria half way.

Eye Line Match:

Eye line match demonstrated in the film sequence shows Allegria and Diana's conversation from the angle of their eyesight. For example, Allegria was filmed speaking to Diana and the camera was angled at a certain position to present that she was talking directly to Diana. Afterwards this was filmed directly the same way with Diana speaking to Allegria.

Point of View:

This technique was used to portrayAllegria's story as well as Diana's. Here is an example of a point of view.

Final Product

Shown below is the final product of our film sequence.

AS1: Task 7: Understanding Continuity Editing

Understanding Continuity Editing

What is Continuity Editing?

Continuity Editing became the popular type of 'classical Hollywood' style of editing. Throughout the years, continuity editing was developed by both European and American directors, such as D.W. Griffith in his film 'The Birth of a Nation'. The classical style Continuity Editing consists of temporal and spatial (time and space) continuity as a way of advancing the narrative and this uses techniques such as the 180 degree rule, Match on Action and shot, reverse shot.

Importance with Continuity Editing:

Continuity Editing provides the sense of 'realistic chronology' and gives off the idea that time is in fact moving forward. The idea is to present a consistent shot when filming, although it doesn't provide a flashback shot to flash to the present, when using Continuity Editing we should be able to see the narrative between the shots.

Continuity Techniques:

Eye-line Match:

• Two shots are matched together. 
• Character is shown shown looking in the distance off screen and then a shot is cut to showing what they were looking at.
• The audience watching has the experience to view this event throughout the duration of the film in the same way the character does.

Shown opposite is an example of an eye-line match used in the film 'Kill Bill Vol 1'.

Match on Action:

Match on Action is the technique that links two shots together. The character begins the scene with one shot being filmed on camera and then the camera films the scene from another part of the room which eventually ends with the character finishing the scene in the second shot. This provides the audience with a realistic view of the scene.

Shot, Reverse Shot:

A shot, reverse shot links two shots together and it also films one character in a scene, then the second shot films the other character in the scene. This creates the thought of the two characters conversing with each other within the scene.

Taken from; 'Sin City'

The 180 Degree Rule:

 

The use of the 180 degree rule states that characters within a scene should have the exact same "left/right relationship". If by any chance this relationship is broken on screen, then it is known as "crossing the line".

Shown below is an example of breaking the 180 degree rule in a scene.