SHOOT DAY REFLECTION

Are day started out extremely smoothly, this was due to the preparation we had carried out prior to filming. Once arriving at school we brought are shot list, story board, plan for the day and the entirety of our props to the media classroom where we met our teacher. Once everyone arrived we headed over to the studio where we got all the camera equipment/ lights needed ready and packed in order to load the van. This part of the process was extremely efficient and took no longer than 20 minutes. 

Overall the day of filming went exceedingly well and the time was spent accurately. We managed to get in all the closeups needed as well as having time to carry out extreme closeups and mid shots as we had hopped, this was beneficial as we now have a range of different perspectives, which allow's us to change or edit things in when editing if anything doesn't appear work.  Additionally we tried out several other shots which were not planned but appeared strike-ing, which I am sure will be used when editing our final sequence. An example being we captured a handheld POV shot from in side of Cornhill Manors living room, mimicking someone peering out of the window at the crime scene. Although this was a last minute idea, it was a visibly an admirable shot that worked in context to our idea.

There was one issue that arise'd that at the time seemed major however was easily adjustable and redeemable. This was that we found out the afternoon before our shoot that our actor casted for the police officer had unfortunately got Covid and therefor was unable to attend. Our initial response was that we needed to figure out someone else to do it however our back up was not free due to it being such late notice. However, we came to the conclusion that for both the forensic and one of the police officers you wouldn't actually be seeing there face. So this enabled myself and grace to fill in for them parts on the particular shots they are needed for.

Moreover, if the opportunity emerged to film our Title sequence again there is one thing I would do differently. As discussed before hand we all needed to make sure we were all clear of and certain of whom would be the backup for the entirety of the cast if an issue did emerge, this would not only reduce last minute stress but also ensure we do not have to ask anyone a major ask so close to the day of shooting. There were many technical skills we learnt on the shoot day, one being how to use strip lights and also how to take several shots we had not yet tested out. An example being a hand held shot mimicking a characters perspective. 

The initial Camera Workshop's we undertook gave us great guidance and thoroughly prepared us for our shoot, if we had not carried out these workshops in the detail we had, we probably wouldn't have been able to set up a camera, yet alone managing to film a whole sequence. We used nearly all the skills we had learnt in these workshops  such as how to use the role of thirds, 180 degree angle, call outs etc. Luckily we were also introduced to all the equipment via to the shoot and taught how it all works. Other than the camera we also used large strip lights which were controlled via a phone to flash blue mimicking police car lights.

For me, my favourite part of the day was the setting up of the crime scene, as I found this extremely rewarding due to everything we had pictured and are ideas finally coming together, which will hopefully result in an opening title sequence we are extremely proud of. In addition I also really enjoyed having a go on both the camera and learning and using the large light sources which mimic police car lights. Moreover, although not having looked back on the footage yet I do feel happy with the footage we managed to shot, due to having everything we need plus more.

Throughout this process I have learnt a variety of things which I would definitely use when carrying out my next filming project.  One being to always be prepared for the worse, eg- loosing an actor or actress. We could have done this by making sure we had a backup who would definitely be free on the day. I also believe a reason why ours went so smoothly was because of the small amount of people, hence when filming next I think a large decision to think about is the amount of people in both your cast and crew.

Furthermore, I am extremely excited in regards to editing, due to this being when our sequence will truly come alive. The placing of the titles, font of the titles will help highlight the thriller-drama genre and mood/atmosphere for our sequence alive. Im also looking forward to the editing process as I believe it will feel rewarding as this is where are work will finally come together and we will get a finished product. Now we must spend the next week or so after working on the exam questions editing this sequence, here we will face the hurdle of how we are going to place this all together and how these titles will be presented.