Shoot 1- Staffroom scene

Yesterday was the first day that we started to film. In my opinion I think this was very successful. We filmed scene 3- the staffroom scene with the two nurses, Matt and Catherine. Although we did have some problems when filming, as a group we overcame these and completed the shoot. We were unable to film in the original location that we had chosen when location scouting, this didn't matter as we were able to use a different room to recreate the staffroom. The props and furniture used in the room meant that the mise-en-scene was efficient making the room look realistic. Secondly, one of the nurses didn't turn up on time. This didn't pose to much of a problem to the group as we still managed to film all the shots in under an hour. This shows that the group worked well together and we were well organised.
After we had completed filming scene 3 as a group, we started to edit. This was also very successful. We managed to choose the highest quality filmed video and edit it to a high standard. The use of the 180 degree rule when we were filming meant that the audience is able to follow the actors easily.

Location Scouting

Location scouting was a very important task that needed to be completed. The group, our teacher and our cast all need to know where we will be filming. As a group we all discussed appropriate locations where we could film. My input was taken into consideration and we decided as a group where we are going to film. I had to source pictures of the where we were going to film and seek permission from the house owner allowing us to film there when needed.

We chose three locations to film at- a friends house close to school. Here we only used the living room to film the argument scene between the couple, we needed to get permission from the house owned before we could start to film. We also chose to film within school to shoot the nurses scene, originally we wanted to film in the staffroom. As there wasn't a teacher present when we wanted to film we had to change to a different room. We also filmed in Little Waltham Park which is also close to school. As this was a public area we had to create signs notifying the public we were using this area.

Refer to group blog for further information concerning location scouting.

After filming I feel that the locations that we used worked really well. They created the correct atmosphere connoting to the audience a sense of mood and feeling that the location and character created.

Target Audience

Before we could start filming our film opening we had to research our target audience to ensure that the group knew who we are aiming the film at. This was a very important part of work that had to be completed because without a target audience our film has no importance.

As a group we created a survey and asked a range of possible audiences, from this information that we collected, we had a good insight into the demographic that would watch our film.

All though this was a group task we all had an individual input. We discussed what questoins we should put into the survey to gain maximum information from the target audeince. I helped with possible question ideas and I took the survey home to ask family to fill it in.

Refer to group blog for notes and results from the Target Audience questionnaire.

Organising Resources- Costumes and Props

Before we can film, as a group we have to organise the resources that we will use. I looked at costumes that we were going to use. I had to take photos and look at the costumes that we will use within the film and explain the purpose behind them, using examples of mise-en-scene. I had add my personal opinion saying whether I thought they would fit in the regular conventions of horror films.

I also had to explain why we chose to use these costumes for the protagonist, antagonist and any other characters that we will use within the film and why we want them to look that way. The costumes we were going to use I had to say where we would source them from and why do they suit your production.

This is the document I created showing all this information.
Costumes

Props are also a very important part of the film. As a group we also had to complete research looking into props. A document had to be completed presenting information showing possible props that will be included within our film. As a group we discussed what props we should use. I had input in this as my ideas were shared concerning props that we could use. I though that we should use crime scene tape with the first scene in the film, as i suggested this i have to source it.

Refer to group blog for more information about the props that we used within the final film.

Auditions

Our auditions were very successful. After auditioning 4 possible characters we were able to decide as a group who we would cast. Although we had planned to audition 6 possible characters two dropped out meaning that we only had four people to audition. This didn’t matter two much as we are still able to cast them without auditioning if they are needed.

During the auditions, we first asked the actors to present their own interpretation of the scene using their own characterisation using the directions on the script. Allowing them to interpret the script themselves allowed the group to see their acting skills and how they present them themselves. The next part of the audition was for us as the group to direct them ourselves. This allowed us to observe how well each actor responded to direction.

As a group we decided that myself and Laura would be in charge of the cameras, making sure they were set up correctly and where set at the right angle. Abi and Jenny directed the auditions and wrote down there thoughts so in the next group meeting we are able to discuss the auditions and choose an appropriate character.


These pictures show the four people auditioning practising their script before be began filming them. Allowing them to do this made them feel more comfortable in front of the camera as they knew what they were doing.


These videos show the auditions. As we had four possible characters we changed them around so them auditioned with different people.
Tayo and Kirsty


Jenny and Matt


Kirsty and Matt


Jenny and Tayo

I feel as if the auditions went well, we were able to make a decision on all characters that we will use within our film. The auditions on took half an hour as the group was organised. There were some disagreements about where we should set up the cameras and what angle we should film at, but we over came this as the group talked about it in a civil manor. All the cameras were charged before hand and we had enough people turn up to the audition to film. After watching the audition films we had filmed, the group was able to choose the appropriate person to cast.

Casting Information- Costumes

Before completing the auditions to find a suitable character to use within our film I had to complete casting information, making sure that the group and I knew exactly what we are doing. For this I looked at what we want the characters to look like and why we want them to look that way. I had to focus on the protagonist and the antagonist and any other characters within the film. I had to explain how they would look, their age, costume and overall general look. Also I had to include references to other characters in other films.

Antagonist-
We will cast the antagonist as a male as we want him to look sinister and mysterious as his identity will be hidden this will make the audience feel scared of him. This character is suggested to be the killer. This male will be shown to be in his mid thirties. He will look rugged and dirty as this denotes to the audience that he shouldn’t be in the surroundings that are shown in the film.

The Psycho from the film Psycho is a typical antagonist. The males hidden identity makes the audience feel scared of him. We will use him as an example within our film.



Protagonist-
We will cast the protagonist as a female. This follows the conventions of other horror films as normally the protagonist is presented as a female. She will be married to her partner, Mark. Both these characters will be in their late twenties as they have their own house and mortgage. She will be shown in pale coloured costumes and make up as this connotes her innocence to her audience.

Casey Becker from Scream is a good example of a female protagonist; she is presented within the film wearing pale coloured and pale makeup to show her innocence. We will use her as an example when filming our film.

Script

Over the last week Abi and I have been working on the script for the opening sequence. We created three different versions of the script, the initial, intermediate and the final. In creating three we were able to expand and improve our ideas.

This is the final script that will be used within our opening sequence. After creating an initial and intermediate script we were able to create this. In creating the initial and intermediate script we were able to put all the groups ideas together, we were also able to outline what needed to be changed and what should be added after getting feedback. To help us create our final script we looked at a script of an Eastenders scene, looking at this helped us with the layout as we were able to see where the script and scene directions should be placed so characters are able to read it clearly and notes can be added.

This is the Final Script