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.