Group: Shoot Two Review

Our second shoot was the entirety of the day in London, which followed the narrative line of the third and final character, played by Harry. This shoot in itself involved three segments, in which we both played different roles that were pivotal to the overall success of the shoot - which is apparent on reviewing the footage, with almost all being usable and our supervisors agreeing that they are very impressed with the action shown from this shoot. These three segments are as follows: on the train to London; London South Bank; and Stockwell Park Estate.

Part One - On the train to London:

NOTE: Due to practicality Luca - with our actors - and I travelled to London on different trains, which meant that we carried out different roles.

JACK:
I had the camera with me, and so started filming some establishing shots. This was bearing RATKING'S 'Snow Beach' in mind (an idea discussed earlier in the blog: http://twgsbmedia15a2group4.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/js-further-inspiration.html). This involved maintaining free hand stability whilst on the train, whilst allowing for some movement to enhance the naturalistic feel of our footage. I also was in contact with Luca, ensuring that we were both aware of the time and location to meet. I was given the duty of bringing the equipment as well - simply due to the fact I had access to spray paint, the camera, and the tripod that we used.

LUCA:
My duty on the travel up to London was to Brief our actors as to my expectations of them throughout the day and made sure they had knowledge of the song. I also took the opportunity to run through the overall plan for the day, so that everyone was on the same page and knew how the day would plan out.

Part Two - London Southbank:


JACK:
Luca and I divided duties on the camera on this shoot, however I again filmed more - mainly due to Luca being in a range of the shots himself. My duties also involved ensuring the set was ideal aesthetically - with litter, belongings, and generally anything not meant to be in shot being moved out of frame. Moreover, I briefed Harry as to what to spray paint and how to ensure he did it in a safe environment, and made certain that he did it in a way with minimal mess and away from the wind - so that the paint didn't get blown on us, or the equipment. In filming I made sure that there was a wide range of angles and distances, ensuring that framing is interesting and that the same action is filmed multiple times from different approaches: meaning we can fulfil a high cutting rate in our video for certain sequences.

LUCA: In the Southbank, I spent more time in front of the camera rather than behind it like Jack. Here I performed several chorus sequences, with Jack giving me advice on cinematography and performing techniques. When it came to the shots of Harry spray painting I went ahead and filmed some of the action taking an equal role to Jack. I came up with many interesting shot angles and camera movements to give us a variety of shots to use in our final piece.

Part Three - Stockwell Park Estate:

JACK:
Here is where we gained more of our establishing shots, as to complete the illusion that our action is occurring in an environment like this throughout the video. This involved looking for interesting shots that can be uniquely framed and provide an opportunity not only to set the scene, but also to achieve technical excellence. In regards to this I took the lead in shooting these shots, and moreover in gaining shots for the third narrative line - in using a handicam to follow the actor; whilst Luca also shot and had a big influence on what was shot and how.

LUCA:
In this section of the day, my role was navigating the whole group around the estate, making sure that we pasted all the points of interest which we intended on filming. I also had some influence in particular framing of shots, were I would give Jack advice on how to capture the scenery to better effect. Lastly, I was involved in filming of some of the establishing shots.