Storyboarding and shooting a narrative sequence

In a group of three, we planned, storyboarded and structured a narrative sequence of the making of a cup of tea with the task of using 15 or more shots to create a structured edit holding narrative sense. Our learning intention was to appreciate the importance of a storyboard in planning a shoot. We filmed to edit, meaning we filmed leaving a gap between actions to ensure no clips were clipped and cut once it came to editing.

As a group, we thought we had a powerful opening with the match on action of my classmate closing the cupboard. Including a variety of shots with alternating angles allowed for an increasingly snappy, rhythmic and pleasing to watch edit conveying a continuous narrative with a whimsical atmosphere. Cutting to close up adds an additional layer of sensory appeal. We cut to a close up of the milk pouring into the tea because the effect of the two liquids mixing is very satisfying. Although the shot would have been more effective to the narrative if shot in better focus.

Reflecting on our sequence “You spilt the tea”, I have come to notice that one of the actresses breaks the fourth wall. This was not our intention therefore it shouldn’t have happened. Going forward I will ensure fourth wall breaking is avoided unless crucial in the narrative.