Skills Audit: filiming

Our filming process took roughly 2 days due to some issues we came across. Our 2nd memory card stopped working during filming and an error message came up on the camera whenever we tried to film on that memory card (as memory card A was full). To overcome this, we deleted all the unnecessary work on our memory card A inorder to do as much filming on Card A as we could. When we brought the cameras back the next day we resolved our memory card B issue and was able to continue filming the next day.

I found that the outside shots were more difficult to film as there were lots of variables that we did not think of. Such as people passing by and staring at the camera, if they were in shot, which would make the film look unrealistic as people wouldn't usually stare at others posting a letter. Also we had to make sure that the background was kept constant - we had to think about the different cars which we passing by and make sure that the same cars that we parked in the beginning of the shot were there at the end of the shot. Another issue which occured outside was that we had road-works right opposite us. This was a major distraction as the noises were very loud and we could not concentrate. Also, it meant that we could no use any dialogue or natural sound in those shots as they were drowned out by the noisy machines. If we were to this again, obviously, we would choose a more quieter and less busy location to increase realism of our film.

From our storyboards we already knew which shots would be used for a match-cut. We had to re-film the same actions continuously from different angles and camera shots (extreme close-up, mid-shot, long shot, etc) inorder to us a variety when we editted. This was hard for the actors as they would have to try to repeat the same action exactly the same way numerous amounts of times - which could be very boring. Another issue which occured with our group was that I have a dog so there were shots which we could not use as we could see her running around in the garden through the window. In future we would make sure that the backgrounds are kept constant.

We used an attachable light which was placed on top of the camera. This gave out more light and made the shots brighter which made it easier for the audience to see exactly what the 'baddie' was cutting out.

In our film I was one of the actors. I felt that this change from 'behind the camera' was more satisfying as it meant more involvement in the process of creating the film. This gave Mica and Charlotte the chance of becoming 'directors' and telling me what to do. Also as I do drama, I really enjoyed taking part in the acting of our film especially as it was created 100% by us. A close-up of pulling the box from under the table. This unusual shot was done by placing the camera under the table and mep uttingm y hands around the edges of the box and sliding it out. The box filled up the whole shot and made it feel asif the audience were hiding with the box.

If we were to film this again I think we would thoroughly check beforehand that all the equipment were working efficiently so that we wouldn't have any hiccups. This would make filming smoother and quicker. However, I felt that the whole filming experience was enoyable and the creation of the whole film a good experience.