One Minute Film Challenge

Analysis of the imitation imitation game

Plot

We decided to make the trailer as a culmination of key scenes in the real film, as well as filming one or two transitional scenes. The transitional scenes were used so we did not have too many important sequences placed one after the other, they also allowed us to show the change in setting more smoothly.

Filming Techniques

The majority of the filming was done using a tripod, although it was not necessary to use a tripod at all times I decided it best represented Alan Turing’s personality as he is often calm and collected. We also filmed a pan shot where the camera was secured to the tripod and placed inside of the basket on a bicycle. However, because of the glass between the camera and the subject the scene had to be scrapped due to the extremely visible reflection.

Editing

During the editing process I had to carefully select scenes based on both film and sound quality. We did not take into account microphone pickup volume during filming and I was forced to choose one or two of the less well shot scenes purely because the sound was more clear. In one instance none of the takes picked up the sound, and increasing the volume only brought out the interference, here I had to record a new sound bite and cut it to fit the length of the scene.

What to do differently

In future it would be beneficial to invest in a microphone, either to attach to the camera or to be held above the actors. I would also try to use a camera with better auto focus to create a more seamless and immersive experience. Another solution would to use a camera with a shorter focal length so that it can capture acceptable detail in both close ups and extreme close ups without an obnoxiously visible blur. In future projects I would also pay much closer attention to mis-en-scene as there is one sequence in the video where an object disappears from the scene completely.

­­­­­­What I gained from this

Filming the one-minute film challenge I think I have gained some experience in the use of different cinematographic skills to create a desired effect on the audience. I have also learnt how using pre-recorded voices over the scene can also help to draw attention to that scene in particular. It has also taught me how crucial editing and scene order is to the final product.