Production Diary- Caddington Park/ Alleyway

1. Production
Diary- Entry 2
Location- Park/ Alleyway
5/11/16
3:45pm-6:00pm

2. Day 2- Caddington Park/
Alleyway
 During this scene the plan was to film all
scenes that required dark and
atmospheric lighting. In order to
accomplish this we were dependent upon
the natural lighting provided by the lamp
posts within our park location and the
darkness of the evening.
 Within this session we planned to film
shots 29-44, forming the alleyway scene
and 44-53, forming the park scene.
Regarding our alleyway location, we
instead decided to use the small entrance
to the park, of which the dark shadows
during the evening were effective in
granting the location the appearance of
our desired alleyway.

3. Location: Caddington Park
Date: 5/11/16
Time: 3:45-4:00
 Myself, Danielle and Grace arrived
at the park location at 3:45pm, this
rather late time within the
afternoon was to allow for the dark
evening/night natural lighting to
settle within our scene, of which
we sought for these scenes to
possess.
 Upon arrival, we began to set up
our equipment, operating the
tripod and camera, checking the
shot list/script and began the
framing of our first shot; ready to
film for 4:00pm.

4. Location: Caddington Park
Date: 5/11/16
Time: 4:00-5:15
 Within this location we first filmed shots 44-53. Upon filming,
due to the dark lighting our team was met with a number of
challenges, regarding manoeuvring within the dark location.
Upon facing this challenge, we found that we were to require
additional lighting to support the clarity of each shot. This
lighting issue prompted my decision to contact my Dad, of
whom was helpful in travelling to our location, local to his
residence, assisting us with the application of lighting during
filming.
 This lighting was provided through two mobile phones, both
possessing torch functions, of which were often held upon the
framing of our shots by myself, Danielle and my Dad.
 During this session, I possessed the role of managing the shot
list and script, directing our leading actor, Grace, assisting
Danielle with the filming of some shots, whilst also providing
some additional lighting within our scenes.
 As well as assisting my group with the provision of lighting, my
Dad was also kind enough to act within our piece. He played
the role of an eerie figure standing within the distance, of which
team member Danielle was originally gong to play. The
provision of this help, was highly useful in allowing myself,
Danielle and Grace to focus upon the filming and direction of
these more coplex scenes.

5. Location: Caddington Park Entrance (Alley
replacement)
Date: 5/11/16
Time: 5:15-6:00
 Within this location we first filmed shots 29-44, in
which we used the small entrance to the park location
as a substitute for an official alleyway. Within this
location, the dark lighting of the later hours of the day
were effective in providing the aesthetic of a long and
eerie pathway out of the park location (suitable for the
alleyway, of which we intend for this location to
convey/suggest to our audience members).
 During this session I, again, possessed the role of a
director, arranging the framing of each shot. I also
possessed a predominant role in filming, as Danielle
possessed the role of an actor within this scene, as did
leading actor, Grace. My dad also remained present,
of which, upon reflection I believe to have been a wise
decision, as the dark lighting of this location provided
certain risks (such as tripping in the dark and
obscured surroundings duet o the darkness), of which
my dad ensured our team additional adult supervision
and support.
 We finished all filming at 6:00, of which we then ended
the session and returned home.

6. Evaluation
Successes
During this session I believe that our strengths were the efficiency in which our team was able
to film, in which great resilience and focus was displayed in completing each shot to a high
standard; despite the challenges provided by the late-evening darkness and the cold winter
weather.
Regarding the strength of our shots, I believe that it was an effective decision to cast additional
lighting within the framing of our camerawork, as this was useful in providing clarity to the
action within each shot. I believe that it was effective that the issue of overly lacking light was
identified during the early stages of filming, of which, I believe we then dealt with efficiently.
Another strength of our piece was asking for the help of my Dad, of whom had featured within
previous media projects, his assistance to our piece was effective in providing both extra
security and assurance of safety within this dark location, as well as providing additional help
with the provision of additional lighting as well as filling an effective additional actor role (in
which his tall stature was effective in emphasising the eeriness of the antagonist in the
distance of some of our shots).
Thus, the decision to ask for the assistance of an adult is something I believe to have been
most useful and contributory to the overall success of this filming session.

7. Evaluation
Weaknesses
Some weaknesses of this session was perhaps our lacking preparedness regarding the length in which it
would take to film and the difficulty this would present when spending prolonged periods of time filming
within dark and cold winter weather. This filming atmosphere presented a challenge of discomfort and,
although we were dressed appropriately for the session, the level of resilience required for filming within
the cold is an element of this session that I believe we underestimated.
Nevertheless, despite the harsh weather conditions, our team was still effective in displaying an efficiency
and determination to complete all required filming within this location.
Regarding certain shots, I believe that filming the scene in which a figure is standing within the distance of
the park was a difficult shot to accomplish. This is because the shot required the camera to be positioned
at a far distance from the framed actor. This distance resulted in communication issues with our actor, as
our team members had to brief our volunteer before and after filming, however, could not provide
direction during this process, due to the risk of an unwanted group member being captured within the
wide shot.
This shot took a number of attempts, however we ultimately formed a signalling system, in which I would
hold up a light, out of shot-framing range, in order to signal when our actor was to commence his required
action within the shot.
Thus, although challenging, this shot was eventually achieved.

8. Evaluation
 Overall, I believe this session to have been a success. This is because, although
challenges regarding the conditions of weather and overly dark lighting were
experienced, these were eventually overcome by the preparedness of our group
members clothing (consisting of coats and gloves) as well as the additional lighting
and assistance that my Dad was kind enough to provide. These difficulties faced
during this session have been effective in also highlighting the resilience of our team,
as we were able to complete all filming within the Park/Alleyway location; all of which
required dark lighting.
 I believe that if we were to improve however, we would perhaps plan to ask for the
assistance of additional group members prior to filming, as we found during that this
session it was useful to possess additional help in order to help provide lighting and
assistance with the framing of each shot. Thus, we shall consider any additional
assistance that may be required within future filming sessions.
 Nevertheless, despite these improvements, this was a session I believe to have been
highly contributory to the overall success of our piece; marking the end of another
production day.