What we have learnt in lessons:

In lessons, we learnt how to set up a tripod. This involves extending each of the three legs into the tripod position, and then locking them into place. Then you have to repeat this process to achieve the correct height level for the camera. We used a Sony NXS Digital HD Camera. Then you have to slide the camera onto the top of the tripod until it clicks into place. Then, in order to position the camera, you need to move it until the bubble in the spirit level is in the centre. This is called bubbling. Then in order to get the white balance correct, you need to zoom in on a white object and click the small white balance button on the left hand side of the camera. Before recording, you need to zoom in on an object and adjust the focus and then zoom out to take the shot.

We also learnt how to frame a shot, where you try to put the subject over the areas of focus, in the four areas where the grid lines cross over, this is called the rule of thirds. We also learnt about the 180oc rule, whereby there is an imaginary line running from one character two another. The Camera is not allowed to cross that axis, otherwise the actors who should appear on the left, would appear to the audience on the right and vice versa.

We also learnt how to film a short sequence, where we filmed the same scene three times. First, we filmed a wide shot, showing the whole scene, then we repeated this process filming a medium close up, where we slightly zoomed in on the actor. To finish we filmed a zoomed in close up of an object in the room which the actor picked up. Watching back these sequences, the audience has the impression that they are watching a natural activity happening once, unaware of the fact that the different angles and shots of the scene may have been taken days apart.