RD: Reflection on Shoot

1. When and where was the shoot?

The shoot was a Harry (a friend of Freddie's) house in Tunbridge Wells
I arrived at 11 30 and left at 6, we didn't start shooting until about 2 though.

2. What scenes were you focusing on?

We were focusing on the basement scenes as these scenes make up most of the opening. We decided at the beginning to just focus on these scenes and we will tackle the kitchen scenes on a different day because the location of the kitchen is easier to work with.

3. What was your individual contribution to the shoot?

Before we started the shoot I helped with the script a bit but mainly did the make up and costume of the actors. I also helped set up some of the set. When we started I was involved in directing some of the actors and helped make some of the creative decisions about lighting and placement of actors and props. I also filmed some of the shots and did the lighting for the dimmer scene.

4. To what extent did your storyboard affect your use of camera and framing?

We kept to the storyboard for wherever possible but we had to make some changes due to the location, some of the basement was not ready to be filmed in. We kept the same general idea but their is a lot of change of the angling and positioning of shots because on set we had to work out what looked best.

5. What do you think worked particularly well?

I think our camera angles and shot variation went well and will be effective. I also think our location was very good and was iconic for the horror film genre. Our props were also very effective as we used a dog cage, a chain and we constructed a wall of newspapers with victim's circled. As seen below.
Wall of Newspaper

6. What were the challenges of this particular shoot?

I think a big problem was we had a large cast and there are 4 members of our group so with all of us it was quite cramped and hard to make sure everyone was quiet  when filming. Another issue was the lighting but I think we overcame that using a spotlight. Another issue was the set wasn't exactly as we expected and a lot of work was needed to set it up how we wanted.
Crowded Staircase

 

7. How will you use this experience to inform your next shoot?

 

I think now we've started editing we can see what we still have left to do for the next shoot, I also hope to do more of the filming on the next shoot. I also think we could try to use more varied shots and take a lot of options for each shot so we have some choice and have too much film rather than not enough.