Rough Cut

Filming overview

Overall, filming was successful as we didn't have to re film any shots when we got back to college. We filmed a variety of shots, as we checked our shots at the end of every filming day, then ticked them off on our list of shot types. We also learnt from Micky's framing tutorial, and remembered that close ups are effective in portraying emotion and stand out overall so we included many close ups. 

Cameraman/Editor

During the holidays, we were doing our filming for our opening sense. During the filming, I as the cameraman, took some risks of taking shots that would be excellent for me to edit. I also followed majority of the rules that we learnt in class such as: The rule of thirds, no head space, no zooming in etc. This will be big advantage for our opening scene to be the best.

If i was going to be the editor, and I'm also the cameraman, i would have to film about 3/4 times of the same scene as it would be easier for me to edit.

Although some shots were dark to see, but those are the risk i took during the film as the teen drama opening scene we were planning will match the shots that i have taken.

Filming day 3

On the last day of filming, we finished off our filming with Analiza's bathroom scene. We experimented with a range of shots, including an over the shoulder shot of Analiza and her reflection in the mirror, taking off her smudged make up from last night's party. 

Also, we filmed four character establishing shots, such as makeup, dresses, heels and a girly fashion magazine. We also mirrored this in Julie's four character establishing shots, including her glasses, class work, DVDs and trophies showing her academic achievements.

Filming day 2

On the second day of filming we continued to film our opening sequence. We finished filming Analiza's introduction to Double Trouble, where she enters her house then up to the part where she walks into her bedroom. We also started and finished filming Julie's bedroom scene which consisted of her waking up and getting ready for school. 

We also came across problems when filming Julie's bedroom scene, as the birds eye shot was difficult to film, there was also problems with space as the room was small. We overcame this issue as Analiza stood on a stool, and we raised the tripod as high as possible.

We experimented with our shot types, using as many shot types and shot angles as possible to make our opening sequence as interesting as possible. Here Andy and Agata are filming a high angle shot of Julie in bed.

We had some problems with lighting, as some lightbulbs were broken on the staircase so the shots were slightly darker than the shots filmed outside. However we tried our best to use natural lighting from the windows.

Filming day 1

On the first day of filming we met early in the morning. We started of shooting all the scenes set outside as the weather may not be consistent on the next day of filming, this was also to insure consistency in customes. 

Using our creative minds, we came up with a innovative shot, using a small box on the ground then steadying the camera on top of the box, as we wanted to produce a variety of shot types used. We thought this would be an interesting alternative as this shot was effective and it was steady.

One problem was the steep road, as the tripod was not positioned correctly at the start of our shots, so some shots are wonky, but we soon came to realise this then re adjusted the legs of the tripod to make the shots straight.

Another problem we came across was the weather conditions, as it rained the whole day but we overcame this issue by using an umbrella and we were careful with the camera.

Framing tips

During Micky's tutorial, I learnt many things that would help me with our filming for our 2 minute opening sequence of our own teen film, Double Trouble.

I learnt that we must vary our angles and shot types. By using a range of shots and angles this will enable us to gain a professional finish and allow us to edit easier as a range of shots will enable us to use match cuts. Match cuts will help our film to be seamless and help with continuity editing.

Moreover, close up shots are essential as they help to convey emotion and show the audience our facial expressions. They look impressive and they help to vary the shot types used.

This is an example of an extreme close up.

This is an overview of the many shots and angles that we could include.



  

Tips that will help us during filming:
-We should always use a tripod where possible as this allows a steady shot.
-During our panning and tilting shots, we must do this slowly and in one direction. This makes our shots easier to follow, and consistent.
-ALWAYS FOCUS EVERY SHOT! This is essential in securing a sharp focus throughout.
-Make sure to look the same on different days of filming, continuity is vital!
-There should be no space above the head and action must take place within the frame.

Using the Rule of Thirds helps produce nicely spaced shots. This is a grid used to help position objects and characters within a frame as we must place important elements of our composition where these lines intersect.

Framing Tips

In class, we had a tutorial of how we can make a better film by showing us a video of Framing tips,
There were several rules that we should use more often and the examples will be shown below.
But I will show the major ones that i personally think it helps and the ones I just learnt in class.

The Rule Of Third

This rule is what i learnt in class and never knew about it before. For me, it does make the filming better and the film in general looks real. This rules applies by diving the frame using two lines going horizontally and another two lines going vertically. Something like this.

The rule of thirds has been used mostly in every TV programme or films. The frame is split into 3 boxes or grids horizontally and vertically in order to have the characters or objects in the frame and correctly position within the frame.

Close-Up

In the closeup shot, a certain feature or part of the subject takes up most of the frame. A close up of a person usually means a close up of their face (unless specified otherwise).

A close-up of a person emphasizes their emotional state. Whereas a mid-shot or wide-shot is more appropriate for delivering facts and general information, a close-up exaggerates facial expressions which convey emotion. The viewer is drawn into the subject's personal space and shares their feelings.