Evaluation of Camera Shots
In order to get the most out of the filming process and to develop our skills as directors and film makers, there were a number of different things that we were able to experiment with and work on during this coursework piece. The first thing, was to learn how to use the camera effectively, and to take note of not only what is happening on the camera, but also of things happening around the shot, which potential either ruin or improve the shot trying to be filmed. Before we went out filming on location, we firstly experimented with a number of different shots within the college and this is shown previously on my blog (depth of field). My group and I then went on a location rekki to find out exactly where we wanted to film and what areas of the location would be good to use and what may not work so well. We also had to take note from our storyboard of some of the shots that may be more tricky, for example a time lapse, which meant that we would have to allow more time for this shot to be taken, and for the camera and filming to be set up in good time. Another vital aspect that was important before filming was to create a production schedule that was agreed to by all directors and actors, so that filming could take place successfully and that we could use the time we had wisely. On this we were able to log the location, time and the number of storyboard shots we wanted to get done in that particular session, and we tired to meet this deadline in every filming session we did.
Most of the time when filming we used a handheld method to be able to create a more personal lifelike account of the narrative. Although a few of the shots such as the time lapse, was mounted so that the camera could be kept steady. It was vitally important that the shots we were taking using the handheld camera was not too shaky so that it was unclear what was going on. We firstly tried simple holding the camera, but found this very hard, as due to the weight of the camera and the amount of movement we needed to do to track the character in certain shots, it became very hard to keep the camera still. Therefore we resulted in looking for natural support to help focus the camera, and this included for example: having the camera up on a shoulder, to using static objects such as a work top or chair to keep the camera still. We also in the car scene, rested the camera on the back of a car seat to film the character, and even held it on our laps whilst desperately trying to film the journey whilst the car was being driven.
We did however also use a tripod on one of the filming sessions on the beach, and to do this we made sure that all the legs were level and that the camera was secured properly. However, this did become a problem as we wanted to film directly on the beach, and so having the pebbles as a surface, did not make the filming even and smooth, so in the end we had to abandon the tripod and go for the handheld approach instead which we were able to achieve just as well, by using natural support.
Here is an example of the tripod being used on the beach, which meant that the overall result was not as we expected. This day of filming was set out to record a time lapse, but due to the weather conditions it meant that we could not stay outside for long enough to film the footage, and so we changed our initial storyboard slightly in order to be able to get the footage more effectively.
Communication on set was another thing we had to be sure of whilst filming and before hand. My group and I communicated really well, and we were able to work together well in order to achieve the end result. During filming we also made sure that everyone had an equal opportunity to film, and direct. We did not assign roles at the beginning of the task as we wanted everybody to have a go at doing everything, and we were able to encourage one another and to offer support when needed. All filming was also carried out together and there was not a moment when someone had to go out alone and gather footage. Even the time lapse which was recorded inside a house, was achieved together whilst we waited for the time to pass. I was very happy with the group I had chosen to work with, and because we all got on well and were able to communicate with each other on and off set, it made the task much easier achieve, and the end result was a good team effort. We were also good at choosing a reliable cast to feature in our music video, and because we chose girls who lived in the area we were filming in, in meant that transport was easy, and we were able to meet and discuss with them what we wanted, such as costumes and make up before setting off to film. By doing this it saved a lot of time, and we were not panicking whilst under pressure to film that we had forgotten everything. Being close friends to the people we chose to feature in our video, I was able to make the filming process more relaxed, and the conversation and the relationship that is shown within the filming is real meaning that it comes across much more realistic, and is not forced. Even the laughing scenes were filmed in real life, where we were able to capture a funny moment within the conversation. Not only does it make the process more relaxed for the actors, but it also made it more relaxing for us, knowing what we wanted and using people we knew we could rely on.
As well as communicating well within the group which made filming easier, we were also shown how to use a shooting script combined with a clapperboard successfully and we took advantage of this whilst filming. By doing this we were able to log the amount of takes we had taken to film, and were able to use the shooting script and clapperboard to speed up the process of editing, by knowing exactly what shot we wanted to use. A storyboard was also created before we started going out to film, which we took on location to monitor the shots we had done and what we still had left to film, though occasionally we altered this if a better idea came about or we were unable for some reason to not film the shot we wanted, such as we couldn't find the correct location for example.
Here is an example of how we used the clapperboard to log the shot and number of takes, which would then be recorded on a shooting script.
There are a number of different camera shots types which we have used in our video, in order to make the video interesting to view and to display a variety of the different skills we have learnt during this topic.
This low angled close up appears near the very beginning of the video, and from this a tracking shot from left to right is used to follow the characters feet as she walk through an empty car park to get to her car. This shot not only begins to set the narrative, but it also reinforces the idea of being alone, and how at this moment in time she is with no one after what reveals to be a hard day. For this shot it was hard to keep the control smooth, but I think we managed to do this well and still keep up with the pace of the character as she walks.
An establishing shot has also been used here, which begins to set the scene. To film this we had to film through bars, which works well in this scene as the blue railings composes the shot so that our eyes are drawn through them to reveal the character and what she is heading towards. Once again this also reinforces the meaning behind our narrative, and shows an empty car park leading to a lonely character at this point in the video.
This close up shot was a very important pat of filming as we had the idea of the music beginning to play as the character switches on the radio. We did this so that the music can feature throughout her day and so we thought this would be a good point for the music to start. This was one of the moments where we had to use natural support to keep the camera steady and for this we rested it on parts of the car interior.
This extreme close up of the characters eyes happens when she is driving in the car. To achieve this we used the zoom on the camera to focus in on the rear view mirror as she drives along the road. We chose to use this shot because it conveys the characters emotions of being in her own world and staring into space, and by using the car mirror we made use of the objects around us, which are also featured later on in the video with the mirrors in the bedroom. Once again this shot has to be kept steady and we tried the best we could to try and position the camera on natural support such as the car seats.
Here is an example from the music video where we have created an establishing long shot which not only shows the location of Eastbourne, where we filmed, but also shows the character in the foreground. This is an example of another shot which represents our theme, as she is standing alone on the beach, as if she is collecting her thoughts. Once again to get this shot we were able to use the wooden fencing to steady to the camera and from there we were able to zoom closer or out from the actor in order to create footage.
This example shows a low angle tilted shot which has been used on the beach to show the character staring out into space and alone. This shot was created by placing the camera low to the floor and focusing it up at the actor. By doing this it created a more interesting approach to the filming, and means that the camera is not always directly in line with the character or filming them from a distance. From this shot, a zoom is then used to focus more on the character as the camera begins to track up the body to the face from low to high.
From researching artists and band similar to Florence and the Machine, there were are few shots that I picked up on that I thought we could replicate in our music video. This print screen shows a clip from the 'Lily Allen 22 - video', and shows the artist looking into the mirror doing her make up. This is an idea we then took on board to use in our video, and as you can see from the clip on the right we have used a similar shot composition to create this scene. We thought this shot would work well in our video as this is an activity girls like to do before they go out (getting ready with friends), and so it represents the meaning behind the lyrics that you friends are always there to cheer you up when you are feeling upset.
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