Homeland Continuity Task

1. What was your role in the task and what did you actually do?

My role in creating this short Homeland style clip was to be in charge of sound. I had to ensure that the characters lines were audible and clear enough for the microphone to pick the sound up. I also had to make sure that there was no other unnecessary sound which would mask the dialogue or which would make it difficult when it came to editing the final piece. In addition to this job, I was also partly in charge of mise-en-scene, making sure that the room was ready for the shoot and that it looked appropriate. 

2. What factors did you have to take into account when planning, filming and editing?

Throughout all three of these processes, we had to ensure that we were creating a piece that was in the style of the TV show Homeland. This was important to get right from the beginning, especially when preparing the script as the dialogue had to be similar to that of a typical Homeland interrogation scene. We also made sure that the appropriate costumes were worn by the actors. A shirt and blazer were worn by the interrogators, as interrogators from Homeland would also wear something similar. The lighting was an important factor in making the clip more like Homeland. We ensured that there was low-key lighting from above and increases the amount of light on the table by using a table lamp, making the shots look less grainy.

Continuity was a factor which we also had to take into account, especially during filming and editing. The position of the folder in each shot consecutive shots had to be accurate, something in which we found challenging to achieve when it came to editing. 

3. How successful was your sequence? Did you manage to demonstrate match-on-action, shot-reverse-shot and the 180 degree rule? Did you achieve continuity overall?

Overall, I believe that the sequence was quite successful. I included a match-on-action at 0:10 with the opening of the door which was continued through two shots, which I believe to be quite accurate. During the conversation between the interrogators and the Ambassador, I included a shot reverse shot and used the 180 degree throughout to ensure that there were no transitions between shots that looked like jump cuts. Overall, I achieved good continuity, however there was an issue with the folder on the desk between shots as it was in different places when we shot from different angles, making it harder to achieve continuity when editing. I attempted to mask this where possible by using a master shot but in some places, the folder appears to jump position from one scene to the next. 

4. What have you learnt from completing this task?

By completing this task, I have obtained a better understanding of continuity and how to ensure that your footage flows well. The importance of prop placement is now a factor that I know to give more attention to. I have also learnt about the importance of a master shot between reverse shots, in order to show more in one shot. Editing this sequence has allowed me to develop my editing skills, especially as I have more knowledge in how to edit a more realistic looking sequence than I did when I last edited, through the demonstration the techniques in question three.