Problems with filming

After the first week of filming we have managed to get around half of the film done, we have taken a lot of different shots so that we have enough when it comes to editting and some of the shots are looking really good. However we have had a number of problems that we did not expect and that have slowed us down filming at times.

The Environment
One thing we were never going to be able to control is the weather and daylight, there are parts of the film where filming outside is required therefore we could only film when it's not raining or any other bad weather conditions. This hasn't affected us too much, only one day this week it rained and from a weather forecast we had already planned for this making sure that day we had some indoor shots to film. Another problem is that being winter time now not only is the weather getting worse but we also have less daylight. As it gets dark now around halfpast 4 and with us working around college timetables, usually we finish around half 12 so have about 4 hours to get to the locations, set things up and get the filming done before lighting changes in the shots.

Equipment
As we have to rent out equipment from college we have to return it by the end of the day or book in advance to keep it over night, which is what we have done for weekends. This causes no problems really, although one day this week we rented out the equipment and travelled through to Royston to John's house which is where we are filming the opening scene in his bathroom and bedroom. When we got there, we set up everything we needed and the equipment but as we turned the camera on the an error message was displayed. The disc head on the camera needed cleaning and we couldn't use it, this meant travelling back into college to replace it with another camera. We did eventually get some filming done but only the bathroom scene not the bedroom because it got too dark by then. At least now we have learnt our lesson and will be checking all the equipment before leaving for any locations and we have also managed to fit in enough time to get the bedroom scene at John's house done.

Tape Space
Me and Andy have a theory that it is better to get more shots than not get them, that way we have plenty of shots from different angles etc. and when we are editting we can see which ones fit best. However we have filmed so much this week that we have already filled up one of our tapes, the tape for the main camera is now full which means we have to get that off and onto the computer before we can use it again. Luckily we finished everything we had planned to film before it ran out of space but only just. We can record up to 1 hour on a tape so that means that we have filmed a whole hour for a five minute film...and we're only half way.

Time Required Per Scene
Within our projects last year, they were relativley simple. It is obvious to us that this year, we are much more aware of continuity (as it became a small problem last year due to a small glitch in planning). As said on the above paragraph, we love to take the approach of filming too much as opposed to filming too little. First of all, we try to record a continuous shot of a scene so we at least have 1 shot where we can cut to if we are unable to get another shot (if we missed it, poor footage, poor camerawork...etc). Filming a scene multiple times has an enormous effect on the time taken to film; take for instance scene 2 in John's house. Luke is packing his bags and simply leaving the room - But this required to unpack the bags several times, putting everything back in its original place, repositioning camera.. etc

The Hill
Whilst driving to one of the locations we wanted to film at, we took a wrong turn onto a road, further along the road narrowed and then the road ended and it became a dirt road. With no where to turn round we had to go up this road for a bit. The road was basically for tractors so going along it wasn't great, luckily we there was no damage and we managed to get off pretty quickly but we have had to wash the cars now.

Car Problems
We did plan to travel to the coast to film the short scene where Luke is around the harbour before he boards the ship. Weather permitted, everyone was available and we had the equipment that we required to film. However, as the day was approaching it became clear that the vehicle we were taking to the coast was unable to do so due to a failing driveshaft. Rather than risk further damage, we decided to film and alternate scene, and make room for the seaside (hopefully) next weekend. Deadlines for rough edits are still weeks away, but we are all egar to finish filming and into a rough edit!

Tape Overwrite
After the above paragraph about managing to fill up one of our tapes, we came to put the footage on the computer for editing and it turns out that somehow one of the tapes was rewound without any of us realising and therefore when we came to film, any footage that was after that point was overwritten with new footage. which means we now have to go back and re-film the footage that was lost. Not totally a bad thing as some of the shots that was lost could have been better and now we have a chance to improve them.

Unexpected Shot = Win.

One of the scenes we would be filming at was Sandal Castle in Wakefield. The scene was composed of Luke and Melissa on top of a (what appeared to be), a viewpoint overlooking miles of cities and landscape.

We got the shots just like we wanted, but stopped there for a short while and the view on that particular day was outstanding (very clear day). As we were sat down, we noticed that things in the close foreground were becoming almost a silhouette. Although we didn't plan for this shot, we thought it would be a real shame to leave it out.. so quickly did a thought shower to generate a couple of ideas based upon what we know about the characters and what we think they might have done at that point, and captured some footage. (We may not even use it, but we didn't want to miss the chance due to the lovely day). Although we wont be uploading clips from that scene, here is a photo of Danny stood on the rock, which was only around 2:45pm.

The shot is similar, Luke and Melissa were stood on the rock with the camera filming a long-shot, overseeing them enjoying the landscape.

We have planned our project really well so far, but it's hard to imagine opportunities such as this.

Initial Scene Filming

One thing that has remained constant throughout the project, is wanting this particular shot incooperated somehow into the film. We have spent literally hours trying to figure out the easiest, safest option to do it, and debated upon how we should edit it together too.

We knew that we would need a clear box of some sort that could hold water, and so we have been to 'Pets at home' for a fish tank (which were expensive and had plastic on the bottom), B&Q for an industrial box (didn't have any), and ASDA for a washing up bowl (had none). We eventually found storage box which was almost transparent, but had a circle imprint on the bottom (one which we subsequently found the camera liked to focus on). This box would be strong enough, and was clear.



We wanted to film this outside for several reasons

• Incase we spilled any water
• We could get the blue sky to make it look better (as opposed to someones ceiling)
• We had more space

We knew the danger of filming this shot was potentially damaging the camera. We obviously took loads of precautions to ensure that this wouldn't be the case.

• The box was tested for strength. We filled it to the top with water, then pressed down really hard to make sure that it could take more weight than it was being asked to take (camera was obviously out of the way)
  
• We made sure it was stable and supported correctly. Whilst the pictures/video may appear as the box was not sturdy, we can guarantee it was. We put allot of weight onto it, filled it with water and tryed to rock it around - it didn't move
  
• We didn't fill the water to the top. As Daniel's face would be in the box, there was a chance that excess water could spill over the sides. We emptied out about 1/3 of the water so that no water could escape (he wasn't vigerously shaking his head either)
  
• We tested before we put the camera below. We did test the whole thing around 5-6 times before we put the camera underneath to make sure things would run smoothly.

Sorry that the video is not the right way

In Car Filming Test

Seeing as we were hoping to film with two cars (Daniels being the gold one, Andrews being the blue one), we knew that the majority of in-car filming that was no handheld was going to be done in the blue one.

We discovered a problem as were testing the filming a couple of weeks ago. On the picture below, Kirsten can be seen filming from the blue car on the motorway - which was absolutley fine. However, once we ventured onto country roads (where we are wanting to film), it was majorly bumpy and didn't look at all professional.

We recorded this on an iphone, as we thought we'd have the advantage of being able to hold it (as opposed to resting it on the car where it would be even bumpier)

We slightly adjusted our shot list to account for this.

Presentation

We were told it would greatly help if we were to give a proper presentation for our film, including things such as brief summary, characters, film distribution, audience.. etc

Whilst I helped give the presentation, I was also chief photo taker.

Weather Forecast

These are the weather forecasts for the week starting the of November, the week which we hope to get all of our filming done.

Shot List Shooting Order

Day One - John's House - Tuesday 9th November
Int. Bathroom
Shot - Close up of Luke's face under water, showing emotion and introducing the main character of the film
Shot - Long shot showing the side of Luke as he pulls his head out from a sink, establishes the room as a bathroom and that Luke was washing his face, he then reaches out for a towel.
Shot - Extreme close up of the towel as Luke grabs it, match on action shot.
Shot - medium-long shot as Luke dries his face before leaving the bathroom.
Shot - Long shot of Luke walking accross the landing in order to establish he is going to enter a different room, possibly showing him reaching for the door handle
Int. Bedroom
Shot - Close up of a door, just before it opens and Luke enters.
Shot - long shot, establishing the room as a bedroom, Luke gets out a duffel bag and places it onto the bed.
Shot - Extreme close up of a small pile of t shirts and jeans. Lukes hand comes into each of the following shots and grabs the objects.
Shot - Extreme close up of socks and underwear.
Shot - Extreme close up of IPod.
Shot - Extreme close up a digital camera and a laptop.
Shot - Extreme close up of a wad of cash rolled up and tied with an elastic band.
Shot - Close up of the duffel bag, filled with all the objects from the previous shots.
Shot - Long shot, showing the room and Luke zipping up the bag, he thens goes over to a shelf and reaches for a video camera.
Shot - A close up of the video camera as Luke picks it up.
Shot - returning to the Long shot from before, Luke plays with the camera a bit, turning it on and picking up the duffel bag, he walks towards the door and opens it.

Day Two - Kirsten's house - Wednesday 10th November

Int. Hallway - Day
Shot handheld - The camera is now showing the view from the handheld camera, the shot starts from the other side of the door, Luke closes the door to his bedroom before turning around and making his way downstairs, half way down he lowers the camera don to the floor and the shot cuts to a normal camera shot.
Shot - Long shot looking up at Luke on the stairs as he shouts Nicole, he then starts to walk back down the stairs.
Shot - Long shot from the bottom of the stairs and showing the doorway, Luke gets to the bottom of the stairs and puts down his bag, he starts adjusting his shirt in the mirror.
Shot - Medium close up of Luke as he is adjusting hs collar, again this is to familiarise the audience with the character.
Shot - Long shot from before as Luke gets the camera back out and points it towards his face.
Shot - the same medium close up but this time the camera covers most of Lukes face although we can see him through the screen of the video camera. He turns the camera slightly cutting to...
Shot handheld - The handheld camera shot rotates around and shows Nicole walking in with a coffee in her hand, dialogue takes place and the camera gets closer to Nicole as Luke moves closer, then the camera moves down to the floor before turning off.
Ext. Street - Day
Shot - Extreme long shot showing the outside of the house from the street, Luke and Nicole exit from the house and Luke makes his way down the drive as Nicole stands by the door.
Shot - Long shot showing Luke from the side as he walks down the drive and then up to his car. he reaches out to open the car door.
Shot - Extreme close up of the car door handle as luke grabs it and pulls to open the door.
Shot - Long shot of Luke opening the door fully and getting in. He is only half way in as he is putting things in the car.
Shot - Close up inside the car as Luke places the duffel bag in the footwell of the passenger side and the video camera on the passenger seat.
Shot - Long shot showing the whole car as Luke Gets in fully and ives one last wave to Nicole, he then reaches for the door handle and begins to shut it.
Shot - Medium shot from the rear of the car as the door slams shut and the engine starts, Luke then drives away from the camera and the shot fades out.
Shot - Medium shot from inside the car in the back passenger seats looking into the front and onto Luke driving. He reaches over to the passenger seat and picks up the video camera. Turning it on and putting it on the dashboard pointing at himself.
Shot handheld - Close up of Luke as he speaks to the camera, before moving his hand towards it and covering the screen ending the shot.
Int. Living Room - Day
Shot – Medium shot of Nicole in living room
Shot – Medium shot of Police officer
Shot – Close up of Nicole
Shot – Medium shot of Nicole closing the door and going over to the table
Shot – Close up of Luke’s camera
Shot – Close up of Nicole as she picks up the camera
Shot – Close up of Nicole pressing play
Shot – zoom into camera screen, (screen then become the picture and we watch the video first hand)
Shot – Close up of Nicole’s face

Day Three - Penistone Roads - Saturday 13th November

Ext. Countryside - Day
Shot - Extreme-Long shot. Filming car driving along the countryside. As car approaches, camera does not pan but simply lets the car pass.
Shot - Long-shot. Filming car travelling down the road (from the back of another car)
Shot - Extreme-long shot. Camera points towards the countryside filming the view, and pans to the left to show Luke's car driving towards it. As the car comes close (and passes), the camera tilts full around (In total, a 270+ degree rotation).
Shot - Long-shot. Camera films car coming from right, and quickly pans to the left as car passes.
Shot - Long-shot. Filming parrellel to the road, filming Luke's car drive past.
Shot - Long-shot filming at a 45* angle out of the window to show Luke's car
Int. Countryside - Day
Shot (handheld) - Medium-closeup. Luke is filming himself (apparently driving). He speaks, and then Melissa takes the camera from him (In one continuous shot)
Shot - Medium-closeup. Showing Luke filming himself
Shot - Medium-closeup. Slow-zoom shot shows Luke talking and passing over the camera
Shot - Medium-closeup. Showing Melissa filming herself
Ext. Mountain Road - Day
Shot – Long shot parallel to the road from a low angle, car drives past
Shot (handheld) – Medium shot of passing trees; camera is a little out of focus, some of the car window can be seen.

Day Four - McDonalds and Hotel - Tuesday 16th November

Ext. Mc'Donalds - Day
Shot - Long shot tilting down/zooming to show Luke outside of the Mc'Donalds resturant. As he begins to fiddle with the camera, he manages to turn it on and points it at himself
Shot (handheld) - Medium shot. Luke films himself, whilst speaking. He aims the camera to the back of him to show the resturant and also the burger whilst he is speaking.
Shot - Medium-long shot. We see luke turning the camera off as he gets off the bonnet.
Int.Ship - Night
Shot (handheld) (long-continuous) - Medium shot. Luke is walking down the corridoor filming himself. He speaks, and turns the camera around to show down the corridoor. A lady can be seen walking towards him with a bright red coat and a suitcase. He stands to the side to let her past, and continues to speak. After he has finished, he turns the camera off whilst the camera is still pointed at him.
Shot - Long. We see Luke stand to the side as the lady passes him

Day Five - Ryhill Roads - Wednesday 17th November

Int.Car - Day
Shot – Medium shot through car windscreen, showing road ahead
Shot – Long shot from a distance of car at the side of the road
Shot – Close up of Luke seeing the car
Shot – Close up of Melissa
Shot – Long shot of Luke and Melissa slowing down and pulling over.
Shot – Low angle shot of Melissa and Luke getting out of the car from passenger side, audience can see Luke’s feet from underneath the car, pan to left with Melissa
Shot – Medium shot from behind the bonnet of the other car, we can see Melissa and Luke in the shot walking towards the car. Luke stops. But Melissa carries on walking towards the camera
Shot – Medium shot, Melissa putting her arm around one of the strangers
Shot – Medium shot, Luke puts his arms in the air
Shot – Close up, metal bar slipping from the strangers’ sleeve
Shot – Medium shot, Luke is hit with the weapon
Ext. Road - Day
Shot – Medium shot, Melissa getting in the car with the two men
Shot – Close up of door shutting
Shot – Medium shot, Luke’s bad being thrown out of the car, pan to left as car drives away
Ext. Road - Day
Shot – Long shot of quiet open road pan from left to right
Shot – medium long shot of a man walking along the edge of the road
Shot – close up of Luke in the road
Shot – medium shot of the man running towards Luke
Shot – Close up of the man’s hand turning Luke over and Luke’s face
Shot – medium shot from low angle of the man on his mobile phone
Shot – medium shot police/ ambulance arrive
Shot – close up of police /ambulance closing Luke’s eyes

Day Six - Hull, Docks - Saturday 20th November

Ext. Harbor - Day
Shot (handheld) - Medium shot. Shows Luke lent over some railings filming himself, speaking, he turns around so the railings are behind him and shows a little of the scenery.
Shot - Long shot. Luke turns around so the railings are behimd him. We can see the view behind him, obviously at a port.
Shot (handheld) - Medium shot. Luke points the camera to the floor as he is turning it off.
Shot - Medium-shot. We see Luke pointing the camera to the floor as he is turning it off.