Construction Post 1: Week 1 production

We have decided to use each production week for a different section of footage. We have decided that we will use this first week for capturing all of the studio shots. This is because we think it will be the most difficult part of production, so it seems sensible to do it first and therefore allow time for collateral.

After reflecting on the test shoot footage, we flagged up multiple different issues and made changes accordingly.  

• The most significant of which was taking out the UV face paint scene and although there was good reason for it, it has also left space in close to a third of our video. As a result, we have made several changes to our shoot board as we now must include more filler and dynamic shots in order to "bulk out" our video.
• Secondly, we also felt that there was a lack of variety and composition in the shots so as a result we have add more extremely angles and a wider range of close-ups and long shots and over-the-shoulder shots.
• Finally, we have decided to get all the shots both with him singing and without. This is because we felt that in some areas it would be better if he didn't sing, but we have not quite worked out where and we feel it will be easier to judge in post-production. Although doing every shot twice is quite time consuming, we feel that given we have the whole of this production week to perfect these scene, we will definitely have enough time.

Filming on set

Myself filming Luke

We have started this week very well and are working through the shots very effectively. Due to the way our school timetables work we have found that Alistair and Shayam set-up the scenes and then when they have to go to other lesson Luke (actor) and myself are ready to start filming in a previously set-up studio.

Consequently, during lunchtimes and after-school (when we are all together) we make sure to switch around the roles in order to allow us all to have time working on a different aspect of production.

Shay and I cleaning up between shots

 On day 1 we had quite a lot of problems reaching our desires 'Infinite White' background, due to some lighting malfunctions, however work closely as a group, alongside our technician, we have been able to resolve the issue. We had initially thought that this would cause major complications with our shoot schedule, but through working very efficiently for the rest of the day, we managed to catch up the time lost.

One of the first paper kicking tests.

I have found that over the course of this week I have become increasingly inspired to try different angles and different styles of motion. This has allowed us to capture some really interesting composition, and because of good organization and time keeping, we have not fallen behind schedule. Furthermore, in one of my sessions in the studio alone I began practicing the different styles of potential paper kicking shots in order for the composition to hold as much impact as possible.

One of the Bokeh tests

On days 4/5 we have been working on the Bokeh technique and making sure each of the four different words can be seen clearly and it is working to create the wanted effect. I have found that part has been quite time consuming as the filters are quite small and fragile. Having said this, the shots are producing our intended effect and after some audience feedback, we have received some very positive replies. 

Overall, this production week has run very smoothly and I have really enjoyed the freedom of creativity I have been allowed, due to the flexible time schedule. In addition, I have found the dynamic shots really exciting and challenging  to film as it has tested my focusing and framing skills whilst moving around constantly. Apart from working with the camera, I have also enjoyed the performance coaching aspect and I liked working closely with our actor to get him to express the desired connotations. Furthermore, I have also really enjoyed working with the lighting desks, but due to the static and fairly simple nature of our lighting set-up, there was not a lot of work needed and I didn't have as much time to use it as I would have liked.