NEW PROJECT 'CHANGE THE WORLD': WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER

During this session we watched our completed Grindleford films and were then given feedback on the pros and cons of it. 

For most pieces, one thing which appeared repeatedly was the lack of the use of a tripod when filming, causing the frames to become unsteady and lacking the professional look which is expected of us at this stage. I believe this feedback was most useful in helping me understand how such simple things like using a tripod can improve my work tenfold. 

We were also given the brief for our next project. With the theme being based on changing the world, this allows us access to a wide range of topics to cover. For this I believe that the piece will have to contain eye catching editing techniques and cinematography in order to convey the positive themes of the piece.

'INTRODUCTION TO 3 POINT LIGHTING' FRIDAY 14TH NOVEMBER

During the last session, we were introduced to one of the most pivotal aspects of cinematography and film making in general, lighting. We also set up as though to film an interview. For this we were taught to align the camera with the interviewees eyes and to do so whenever filming an interview. The shot used was a medium close up.

In the session, we were taught how three point lighting stands as the cornerstone of lighting, be it for a set or for lighting an interview. The equipment we used for the session was a Dedo DLH4 kit, which included 3 lights, stands and dimmers. When setting up the lights, we were also informed of the correct names and positions the lights took when using three point lighting. 

The first light used is named the key light which is used to give primary light and exposure to the subject. This is positioned so that the light directly hits the subject, the key light serves as defining the colour and angle of the overall lighting in the shot. 

The second light used is the fill light which serves as lighting the opposite side of the subject which aids in creating a more detailed form to film. The brightness of this second light is half that of the fill, which adds to the overall texture of the subject. 

The third and final light is the back light which fills in the remaining areas which the key and fill have missed. This is positioned at a 45 degree angle opposite the fill to create a triangular outline. 

Our three point lighting setup for an interview.

Each light was positioned at a 45 degree angle

All the lights were positioned at the same height

 

Complete setup for our interview

Throughout the session, we were also taught a range of terms in relation to lighting and work on a film set.

Blocking: Where actors practice and rehearse their movements and gain a sense of the space they have for the performance on set or stage.

Grading: The adjusting of the colour of an image. 

Chiaroscuro: The use of strong contrasts between light and dark, usually using bold contrasts which affect the whole piece.

Stop Difference: When one light is brighter than the other.

Alongside this we were also Informed about the general schedules of shooting a script, for example the average time to page ratio for a feature film averages a minute of dialogue per page. The shooting schedule for a feature film equates to three to four pages a day, contrasting with that of a soap opera, averaging ten to twelve pages per day.

FOUNDATION PRODUCTION SKILLS: SHORT FILM REPORT

GRINDLEFORD SHORT FILM from Adam Barton on Vimeo.

Within our group of four, we each assigned different roles, I directed the piece, Patrick 

Clifton took control of the camera work, Nick Gosling operated the sound and Jordan Heathcote edited the piece. While each person primarily worked on their roles, we all contributed creative input which was taken on board until we were all agreed on an idea.

Once we arrived there, we decided to brainstorm a few ideas first so that we had an idea of what we would do. As we were not sure whether the piece had to have a narrative, we decided upon gaining as many interesting shots as possible so that then if we were to construct a narrative, we would be able to base one on the footage we took on the day during post production. In order to improve this however, it may have been wiser to construct a shooting list and do a reconnaissance of the area which would have been a more effective use of our time.

When it came to the actual shooting, we failed to check our camera settings prior to the shoot the night before, which unfortunately came to have significant consequences. To worsen the situation further, it was not until we had shot half of our footage, that we noticed it, meaning that we had lost not only half of our footage but also half the day.

 The fault for not correcting the settings lies on me as I was the one who took out the camera and so should have checked the recommended settings the night before. This experience has taught me a valuable lesson in regards to checking the equipment before use and the effects it can have if you fail to do so.

With regards to the possible themes with which to base our piece on, we decided that instead of picking one of the three pairs, to combine various themes suggested so as to add more variety to our piece and display the various locations available to us. This primarily involved the church as there were a variety of textures with which to utilise the camera such as focus pulls and long tilts. 

The movements of the camera were also primarily steady and slow pans and zooms as a way of symbolising the calm and peaceful atmosphere which was being filmed. This also allowed the viewers to take in the beauty of the area. As well as still nature such as trees and bushes, we also decided to add the footage of the cat to provide some moving nature and create a more engaging element for the film.

If I had the opportunity to create this film again, naturally the first thing I would change is to check the setting of the camera beforehand so all the footage I shoot is in the correct format. I would also try to experiment further with shot types and camera movements to help the audience engage with the film.