Production diary content

During Pre-Production I was heavily involved with planning content for our documentary which mainly consisted of stylistic ideas and abstract visuals. We also prepared a basic shot list to ensure that everything we wanted during the shoot was obtained. This meant as a group, we all felt prepared to complete the filming in the time allocated. Each memeber including myself knew what we need to film on each day.

During the shoot, I was one of two people responsible for filming. This involved setting up each shot during interviews and cutaways or b roll and ensuring settings were matched on each camera to a suitable measure.

On the first day of our shoot, we planned to film for just the morning in the watershed cinema 1. This involved shots of our contributor watching projections of his personal photos of him and his film work. This shooting sequence also involved close ups of him to use as b roll.

The second day of filming involved multiple locations which were planned out during the pre-production. We conducted an interview in one of the rooms at the Bristol old Vic theatre to use through the entire film. We then filmed b roll across Redcliffe and Bedminster, with a focus on our contributors primary school. After finishing multiple shots in these locations, we set up our time lapse sequence in which had a key focus on our contributor.

During the evening, we filmed projections of abstract shapes and moving images before travelling to Westbury-on-trym to film our underwater element.

On set, I especially worked closely with Sameer who was operating the other camera , discussing shots and set up with him and the director , Tia.

Throughout the production, focus and professionalism was maintained. The group worked very collectively ensuring schedules were kept to as closely as possible. Each member of the group worked productively and responsibly within their role. Communication was also used to a high level especially as some filming required the group to split.

From filming for two days, I learnt that working collectively as a crew is vital to  sticking to schedules and obtaining high quality footage. I also learnt that flexibility and communication plays a fundamental role in production as this enables the crew to work together successfully. On set , I believe as a crew , each member worked incredibly well together. There was good communication throughout and everyone performed their roles well.

The pressures of working on a film set can include time pressure or decision making. Often, schedules have to be altered because of a slight set back or delay, for this reason, flexibility is key for production. Some aspects of the filming may take longer than anticipated or transport may be delayed therefore shifting the schedule. Being decisive on set is also a big pressure. Key decisions for the production may be required such as prioritising some shots more than others if time is an issue.

During our filming, although some equipment proved time consuming and tricky to set up,  there were not many challenges posed to us as a group.

On the first day of shooting , we were provided with two tripods, however one was too tall for our desired shot and therefore took some time to set up for a second time. The nature of the cinema also proved to be hard to move some equipment around efficiently. In spite of this, we obtained all shots that were planned.

The second day of filming required the use of a gimble/ stabiliser. However with this being unfamiliar to both me and sameer, using it required some practice on set which took some time. He successfully was able to use it by the end of the shoot.

I feel that I worked well on set with my group, I communicated well with the whole group about what needed to be filmed next or if shots need to redone. I also believe that I was efficient in obtaining what was needed to a high standard.

The two day shoot has Improved my knowledge on filming. Specifically equipment wise from using the stabiliser and two different DSLRs. It has also prepared me well to conduct my own shoots as the planning and execution was to a schedule. It has improved my decision making skills under time pressure – I am able to make more decisive choices.

Overall, I believe that the shoot was very successful. As a group, we worked incredibly well together to ensure all aspects of the filming were correct and that we obtained the content that we desired. If I weren’t to repeat this, I think I would improve the detail of the shot list, specifying which lens’ to use on which camera and when for each shot. I think I would also familiarise myself with difficult equipment such as the stabliser before the shoot to make sure filming was as efficient as possible.