Preparation For Shoot

Preparation for shoot

In preparation for our shoot we will have to consider the location, what time of day we will be filming to get the right effect, the actors/actresses, props, make-up and make-up artist and outfits/costumes for the characters to wear.
We also have to remember our technical equipment such as the video camera, tri-pod, tracking device and external lighting to produce different effects like shadows.

We have chosen our location for the shoot to be in Billericay because it is easily accessible by all members of the group. It is based near Stock Brook Manor in a walk way surrounded by bushes and overgrown hedges and grass. There is a field next to this in which we will also be filming. Our filming will take place at 3.30pm as this is after school and convenient for all group members. We have also chosen this time because we want it to be light outside for filming. Shooting in the day will create a clearer and more visually sharper picture when the viewer is watching it.

We are having two characters in our filming, but the man will be focused on more throughout the short film. We chose a man as the main character as we believe it is more fitting to the storyline and genre. He will be a very masculine character but yet very mysterious.

We only have a few props to remember when filming as the mise-en-scene is set around the location and we wish to focus on the characters more than the props. However, the props that we use will contribute and add dramatic effect and dynamic to the plot. Some of the props are also used instead of dialogue, to represent what is going through the characters mind and how he visualises things.

We will use subtle make-up on the man to enhance facial features and prevent light shining off the face. To achieve this, powder will be used on the skin to reduce an oily complexion. On the other character powder will also be used on the face but also to create a pale complexion. Darker make-up will be applied to the eyes to create an eerie, psychotic persona.
We are going to have plain costumes to evoke realism and simplicity. We do not want it to be over the top; therefore the costumes will not over-shadow the plot of the story. We want the character to be relatable, if he was dressed in an extravagant costume, the story may become unbelievable and confusing.

We need to remember all of our technical equipment, as if we forget it the day of filming, it will have to be postponed. We will take boxes to place the props, costumes and make-up etc. as we will have nowhere else to put them if we are filming in a field. This will protect our equipment from damage and make everything organised and easily accessible.

We all have our own responsibilities and jobs to carry in preparation for the filming. Austin and Tom will be in charge of the technical equipment whilst Sarah and Sophie will be in charge of the Make-up, costumes and props. However, we will all have an equal input in the making of the filming and editing. Whilst editing we will be sure to look back at our inspirations such as Metropolis and see how the techniques were used to maximise the effectiveness of the Genre is was portraying.

Date of Shoot: 4th March 2009

Time of Shoot: 4:00pm

Members of group present: All

Equipment used whilst filming: Tripods, Film Camera and Photo Camera.

Equipment used to edit film: Computer, Sony Vegas Film Editing Software, and Adobe Photoshop CS3.