Task 2/3: In Camera Editing

In camera editing is a video production technique, in which the camera operator shoots a number of shots in the exact order that they will be viewed in. In the early days of film making it was a technique used a great deal before 'splicing' became easier. The film is 'edited' by simply switching on and off the camera. George Méliès was one of the most famous in camera editors.

Our task was to produce a one minute long sequence that we would edit 'In camera.' It had to be set in school and have two characters. It could either include dialogue or be silent.

We had to storyboard a sequence so that we had a plan of what we would be filming.

My groups video shows two students walking around the school together and then sitting at a bench and having a conversation. The storyline is basic but we focused on using the technique of 'in camera' editing to create a short length sequence.

The storyboard for my groups sequence.

https://youtu.be/fIGnzMBa4QY

Overall I think that our video depicts the use of In camera editing and how it works. The direction of filming frequently changes when the two characters are having a conversation, this shows the use of turning the camera on and off to show movement. This is also shown when the characters are walking around the school. However the timing of turning the camera on and off was a little late at some points during the sequence and meant there was a short pause in the filming, therefore our sequence does not flow. 

From this task I have learned that In camera editing can be quite difficult. The advantages of using In camera editing are that it is a very fast way of editing films and the films flow more. However disadvantages are that if you make a mistake when filming, you cannot delete the shot, it will show in the recording. Also if you make a mistake you have to start over in order to get it right. Another disadvantage is that it is extremely difficult to turn the camera on and off at the right time. If the timing is wrong, the structure of the sequence looks wrong and it will not flow. People chose to move on from in camera editing to digital as it is a more effective way of editing.