Filming Day 3

On the 24^th March we filmed the rest of our film, scenes 4-11; this was done in just over 2 hours with around two or three takes per scene to ensure we have enough shots to choose from for the editing stage.

I would say filming went pretty well. It was easier to film than a few days before as it was inside it’s a more controlled environment. We tried a variety of different shots so we would have the variety of shots in our film. Our first preparation was to add some make up to the dolls we were going to use. This took around 5 minutes as we both did two each. We then had to set up the shots we needed. As we were filming we came up with different shots that could make our film more interesting. We used both handheld and shots with a tripod. For example for one shot we had the camera high up on the tripod looking down on the main character, this couldn’t have been done handheld. However for zoom shots especially it was easier to do it handheld as it was more accessible this way and it wasn’t always easy to move the tripod and zoom at the same time.

I learnt the importance of having enough shots to choose from since we did two or three shots for each scene. This meant that we didn’t have to re film anything. I also became aware how different shots worked as we experimented with several throughout filming these scenes. It gave me a more of an understanding of using them in real life.

Filming Day 2

On 22^nd March we filmed the first two scenes of our film and this took around an hour and a half as there wasn't much set up required except positioning the camera and setting up the tripod. Overall it took around 9 takes as there was a few where errors were made such as zooming in too fast and a take where an actor couldn't keep serious. We used a different location than originally planned as this location was less  obscured and a busier location so we could have people looking through the shot.

The filming went reasonably well, the final take we chose did have a minor error with the zoom but it was the best one compared to others. The main issue we had was because we had to get another student to operate the camera as both me and the person I was working with was in this shot together. We tried different positions and enter and exit points for both us and any other actors, although we didn't re position the camera on the tripod to possibly try different angles. Also the day we filmed the weather was poor so this was an issue when we needed people to walk by but mainly because where the camera was positioned was not undercover.

I think the main thing I learnt was ensuring we had some to operate the camera; luckily someone else was with us who were willing to. I didn't learn much as to the camera as I was the main person in the scene although I have realized the importance of getting used to the zoom beforehand as this was the main issue as to why we didn't get as many usable takes as before.

 

Filming Day 1

On Wednesday 13th March we filmed scene 12, which was the newsroom and took 8 takes. This took just over an hour including the time needed to set up and to make any adjustments needed in between takes.

We started by setting up the green screen behind the desk we was using as the news desk. As we had used a science room due to the desks being higher and resembled a newsreaders desk we had to use props effectively to hide the gas taps that we didn’t want in it. We concealed the gas tap behind a mug, as this is one of the common items seen on a newsreaders desk. We also used a laptop and some sheets of paper to fill the scene and make it look more realistic. Although the paper had something printed on the back so therefore could be a distraction.

We then set up the tripod with the camera on, as this would make it steady and more suitable for this scene. After setting it up we realized that the green screen was too short horizontally due to the rail being too short even though it was at its longest point so one of us had to hold more of it up. We did the 8 takes using three different angles in different takes to see which would be the best for the scene.

If we were to film this again we could use a different desk so we could freely position props and use more camera angles. We could also ensure that the paper had nothing on the back to make sure there were no distractions. We could also find a different method to hold the green instead of using one of us this could include getting another rail to make it easier.

I learnt how to use the green screen and how different camera angles can change the look of the scene. I also learnt the importance of counting in the scene as it gives you a second either side to remove any mistakes that have occurred and the beginning or end of the take.

Production Schedule

Characters

 Main character name: Heather

Age: 14

Height: 5ft 3

Background: Exactly 2 years ago a certain event changed her life forever and now she’s out to get revenge on those who had a part to play in what happened

Costume: Red Coat

Props: Voodoo Doll

News Reader Name: Natalie Scattergood

Age: 25

Costume: Smart Dress/Uniform

Props: News Desk, Mug, Paper, and Pen

Part to play: She reads the news report about the uncovering of Nathan’s dead body

 Victim: Nathan

Age: 17

Height 5 ft10

Background: he was involved in the event that changed the girl’s life forever.

Costume: red hoody

Part to play: he plays the first victim of Heather in the opening sequence

Costume List:

Heather: Red Coat, Black Leggings/Trousers, Boots

Natalie: Smart Dress:  eg. Suit

Nathan: Red Hoody/ Top, Jeans, Trainers

Props List

Heather: VooDoo Doll

Amy: Mug, Paper, Pen, News Desk

Nathan: None

Storyboard

Script

Scene 7

Character: Dinner

Girl: Coming

Scene 12

News Reporter: News just in! There have been reports of a unidentified dead body found in the woods by dog walkers. We will have more information as the story unfolds.