The document summarizes the filming process for a student film project over several dates in October 2012. It describes the scenes filmed, locations used, and characters portrayed. The filming involved setting up shots to build tension and mystery around the main character's discovery of a stolen diamond. The student filmmakers worked to improve their use of techniques like camerawork, lighting, and editing with each shoot.
1. On 8/10/12 my group went out and filmed selected scenes from our storyboard. We filmed
on the street during daytime. The main character was Jasmine played by (Natasha).The
first couple of scenes presented the girl walking down the road looking paranoid. The
setting was cold and damp. She had her umbrella up and would often pull it down and
carry on her journey. Through these scenes we wanted to portray her loneliness
and isolation, sometimes it wouldn't work because of the unnecessary elements that
would be presented in front of the camera. We decided to tighten up our work and take
turns directing. During filming we had discussions on how to make it look professional as
possible by working on the acting elements. Natasha conducted herself professionally.
In addition we added in the stalker played by (Olivia). Olivia wore a black raincoat to
convey darkness and danger. Further onwards there was a long shot of her following
Jasmine without her being aware. This created a spooky and chilling affect for the
audience. Eventually this shot didn't work so well because the location was too crowded
and didn't create enough suspense for the audience. Altogether we agreed to shoot
more scenes. In the end we changed our set location and props for the next shoot. During
this production we made a video diary of behind the scenes, we displayed the film making
process and we talked about our role within the group.
On 11/10/12 we filmed outside of college in a small court yard. This time we filmed a
different scene with the news reporter played by (Chicka) we shoot her part of
broadcasting news for a missing diamond which was supposed to be looked after by secret
agents in the UK. The diamond is owned by a prince in Dubai. Chicka adapted to her part
really well. In the end we made a decision to shoot in better weather conditions, the
weather conditions didn't match our selected ideas.
On the 21/10/12 I we filmed at the Hackney Town Hall. We selected a scene from our
storyboard; we constructed the scene with Natasha walking with her friend towards an old
fashioned building. Natasha found a crystal diamond with amazement, this builds up
excitement and tension for the audience. During filming we added in a lot of different shot
types and dialogue to make it look more interesting and realistic. In addition we focused on
costume; my character wore black jeans, jacket and a grey handbag to come across as a
femme fatale.
As the process went on we decided to film Natasha walking through an alleyway to develop
a mysterious, spooky and chilly atmosphere. This showed her isolation from others it felt
like somebody was watching her every move since she had found the diamond. The colour
of the background just after it rained was grey and misty blended to portray pathetic
fallacy. I think the whole process went well because we were well organised and alert about
our decisions as a group. On our next filming date we should focus on the script for the
audience to get a sense of the character’s personality and to build up a personal
connection in order to get audience response.
On 23/10/12 we filmed as a set task, the group decided to film more locations. Firstly we
filmed in outside a block of flats. We filmed the stalker wearing a grey hooded jumper. He
followed Natasha through a small pathway. To convey danger and to cause tension for the
audience, I filmed certain scenes is well I focused on tracking shots, long shots and point
of view shots. I want the film to have full effect when the editing is finalised with added
sound.
2. Secondly we shot a scene where Natasha was receiving a threat letter through her mail
box. The camera focused on a point of view shot since Natasha was reading the letter. To
show the creepy font to indicate the stalker’s state of mind to be crazy and insane, the
lighting inside of the house was dull to sustain the evil energy that is following her. The
diamond is causing bad things to happen in her. I think we improved on creating an image
for the audience by putting all our creativity together. We included the aspects of mise-en-
scene, editing, sound and camerawork. Our target for next time is to make the editing more
fast paste to convey the conventions of a thriller and action genre.
On 24/10/12 we filmed a spontaneous scene it was basically an establishing shot of London
Bridge to convey Natasha and her friend (Alexis) played by Tori going on their journey
before they find the diamond. This is useful because it structures the plot to make more
sense. Overall it was successful and linked to the traditional conventions on how to open
up a thriller movie.