The document summarizes the filming of several scenes for a student film project over multiple dates. It describes filming locations, characters, costumes, shots, and goals for conveying mood. The group filmed scenes of a character walking alone looking paranoid and being stalked, then a news report. Later scenes included the main character finding a crystal and receiving a threatening letter. The document reflects on improving atmosphere, script, editing, and incorporating genre conventions into the film.

1. On 8/10/12 I and 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. Afterwards 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 alerted. 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 time we shoot. During this production we made a video diary of behind
the scenes, we displayed the filming 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 suppose 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 and my group 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 finds a crystal stones with amazement, this
builds up excitement 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; Natasha wore jeans, jackets, shoes and a handbag to create a casual look.
My character wore black jeans, jacket and a grey handbag. This look develops a set
persona, it makes them look unique compared to other characters.
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
other’s it felt like somebody was watching her every move since she had found the
diamond. The lighting was grey and misty blended to portray her emotions. She feels
scared because she’s alone but she also feels reassured and secured because it’s daytime.
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. To build up a personal
connection.

2. 23/10/12
As a set task, the group decided to film in 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.
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 of Natasha looking at the letter from a
point of view shot. 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 a grey and dark
shadow is following Natasha. 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 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.
Images from production: