Blog 1

This session we had to work in groups of three and film each other in different scenes around the school. We chose by a tree and in front of a brick wall. We said our names and what we were looking forward to in the creative and media diploma. After filming by a tree I thought we should film in front of the brick wall because it contrasted with the previous leafy background. It didn't really work out that well because half way through filming the sun came out and made a shadow of the sound boom behind us. I found it hard to speak straight to the camera because I was distracted by people coming out of the door next to us. We managed to get ourselves about two thirds of the way to the side of the shot because it looks better. If I were to do it again I would sit down or lean against a tree or choose a different position, because standing is a bit boring and predictable. We took it in turns to record sound and use the camera. At the start I put together the sound boom.

 I thought we would be able to choose the groups, so I wasn't looking forward to it when I found out we couldn't choose who we worked with. But it worked out okay and I enjoyed working with the people in my group. I would've liked more time because I felt we didn't get that much done before we had to go in. We found it quite easy to get the exposure right without using the paper technique. I think this is because we filmed where it was either completely in the the sun or completely in the shade. I found recording the sound interesting because it's so much louder and clearer than on my phone or our digital camera. I also found it enjoyable because I had thought we would be using cheaper cameras and wouldn't be using all the equipment on the first day. I didn't really like talking to the camera because it is embarassing when you get it wrong.

I learnt a lot on the first day. I learnt what we would be doing this year in CRAM. I became fairly familiar with the equipment. I learn some techniques such as using a piece of white paper to get the exposure right on the camera. I learn some tips like you look better two thirds of the way across the camera, to leave head room in the shot and don't cut people off in the shot at their joints, instead half way through their thigh, arm, torso etc... I got to know some of the people on the course and became familiar with the school. I learnt some new words such as 'Dead cat', the cover which stops the sound of the wind being recorded. I understand that zooming in and out on the camera is unnatural and should not be used unless for an special effect.