FILM OPENINGS

Today we watch a selection of Claremont student film openings and critique the work, looking for strengths and weaknesses. The selection included romantic comedy, political thriller and spy thriller. More can be viewed on Claremont's YouTube channel.
Strengths to look out for:

• variety of camera angles including establishing shot, POV shots,  close ups, motivated shots, high angle shots, shots into reflective surfaces (mirrors, windows, shop fronts)
• variety of camera movements such as tracking shots, arc pans, tilt pans, focus pulls
• framing shots through restricted frames, such as through windows, doors, bars, tunnels, binoculars, round street corners
• editing of sound and vision together; appropriate pace; variety of pace
• sound track to signal genre, to build suspense, to draw attention to visuals; spot sounds; dialogue
• clearly audible sound (especially dialogue) best recorded separately
• holding the camera steady by using a tripod
• even lighting (not too dark)
• pace
• credible props and costumes
• title credits that look convincing, are legible, come up sensibly
• film title large enough to signal the film name clearly
• enigma and suspense: is it clear how the film will develop?

Weaknesses occurred when such good practice was neglected. We also noticed some wooden acting, slow narrative development, lack of lip synching and unlikely plot devices.