The document describes a film production group's process of filming scenes over multiple dates to tell the story of a woman named Natasha. On the first filming date, they shot scenes of Natasha walking alone looking paranoid, and added a character named Olivia to portray a stalker following her. Subsequent filming dates focused on different scenes with other characters at various outdoor locations. The group worked to improve their filming techniques, use of equipment, and ability to convey mood and tension through shots, lighting, costumes and other cinematic techniques. They reflected on ways to strengthen the character development and plot structure to engage the audience. Images from the production are also included.
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
2. 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.
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.
3. 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.
Images from the production: