Studio Shoot #5: Developed Script & Camera Crew Meeting

NEW SCRIPT:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vs2JJ4_zuTcIvl-BbB7hg_oorc61Xb0Fs1aSEZ2YvNU/edit?usp=sharing 

Previously having lots of unanswered questions about the protagonist in our story, the directors decided to adapt the story, stripping it back the story and simplifying it. After reading it, I definitely felt like it was a good first step in the right direction but there were still a few more questions that needed to be answered, like what was the back story of the man? As we are in his head so need to know his past and how he thinks. 

Overall, I do like where the script is headed as there were many ideas on lighting and framing that came to mind straight away:

- Really play on the lighting and spotlight effect to emphasise this void idea

- For the shadow dancing across the walls, we could create some sort of lampshade (more of an upside down cone shape but with no point underneath) that had silhouette cut outs which could be fixed and spun around a light source

- when the shadows are released from box, they could dance and rotate across the walls on one direction as the camera spins the other direction, creating a chaotic shot.

- Playing with a warm glow on the face of the man against the blue/white moonlight as he sits on the bench

- Maybe if we did film the exterior part outside in the dark and use a strong torch light with a slight blue tint so it can be more authentic. However, we could definitely make it work inside.

- Interior lighting can start off quite dim but as he as the story goes on it becomes brighter to show realisation

- Seeing if having an over the head shot is possible. Would be once all the objects have been pulled out of box and are on floor, man in middle of it

In our department group chat we had decided that we would all take notes on the script and we would come together and share ideas. Furthermore, Rosie had told us we need to create a story board and shot list as finished as we could by Friday 20th. So we thought it was best we went through the script together and created a shot list which Lili could then turn in to story boards. 

Camera Crew Zoom Call - Wednesday 18th Nov. '20

The zoom call was super successful. We went through the whole script and talked over ideas we had and how they could work, the logistics of filming, what lighting, framing and types of shots would be useful. Throughout this call, I had taken down notes of all that was said so I could break it down in to a shot list. I did this on a google docs which we could all access, edit and change when needed to:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ny_tkfnpCNuJOfQf1YpB-DhP_0-mNkvcCffgJXIuseQ/edit?usp=sharing

When I was creating this shot list, I found imaging it shot by shot in the studio and then how it would look on camera really useful when making the shot list. During this process, I found that it highlighted areas that weren't as developed and certain problems with the script, especially with the latter half of the film. I wrote these in red and a list at the top of the list. Furthermore, I really enjoyed breaking the shots down as it meant I had to really think about the purpose of each shot and how it was being communicated to the audience. 

As well as breaking the shots down, we also identified some things that needed clarification or more thought put in to it:

• The room may be over simplified and too plain if it has just a bin, plants and the box in it so we thought 2D/3D objects could be in the room

• Not throwing stuff in the bin as it is too explicit and furthermore its as if he is not dealing with his past but getting rid of it, so maybe putting bad stuff back in box and keeping key to show he has control

• Are we filming the exterior scenes outside? will bench work in studio?

• Fake plants at start, real plants at end

• Hanging Bulbs: battery operated plastic bulbs - minimise risks, figure out how light bulbs would work with the overall lighting idea

• Objects: Need objects list for soundscapes and meaning behind object - need back story

• Lights in room at start are dim, at the end are brighter

• Use of door: how would this work in terms of filming

• *Maybe instead of pulling out full alcohol bottles from the box they are all empty ones from the past that he has drunk. And the only semi full one he has is the one he entered the room with and he ends up putting this one in the box

From here Lili was able to create amazing illustrations for key scenes in the story, ready to be presented to the crew.