When I reflect on the past 12 weeks in this studio, the key insights that come to mind are embedded in the importance of going back to the origins of purposeful filmmaking. From the importance of understanding framing, shot sizes and coverage to the engagement with scripts and markups. Every insight consists of an element of revisiting the basics and that doesn’t necessarily have to be a negative thing, in this studio, we went back to basics to articulate our reasoning for our coverage. I picked up skills that I didn’t have prior to this studio such as filmmaking through zoom and online resources, the fundamentals of storyboarding through animatics and most recently, virtual collaboration. I have learnt the importance of having a critical eye when consuming any visual material such as TV shows or films, as it ultimately adds to your own understanding of deliberate filmmaking. Throughout the semester, I have really appreciated the opportunity this studio has given us to re-visit, re-shoot and reflect on our own learnings with more of an emphasis on the constant evolution of a project, rather than a finished, final edit. This has allowed me to identify the possible outcomes of the creative process when I am encouraged to show multiple cuts, grades and sound mixes and how each pathway can open new areas of learning. From these exercises such as ‘What’s in the Box’ and my guided research where I re-made an Ozu scene to grasp his overarching style, I have gained an understanding in the contrast between continuity editing and more creative approaches. The most recent challenges that restricted our ability to shoot together, performed as a set of constraints that tested our communication and collaboration skills. I thoroughly enjoyed this process and arguably, created a more connected crew as we were constantly in contact, in each other’s homes (virtually) and had to give each other 3 days to film each project.

The process

The pre-production consisted of test shoots, storyboarding, floor-plans and lots of zoom calls. I took some inspiration from a T.V series called ‘Normal People’ and discussed lighting setups with peers. This scene, in particular, helped communicate the lighting I wanted to experiment with. This scene is partly shot through using the computers’ webcam so it was a huge inspiration for the possibilities of shooting through zoom.

Test shoots

 

Storyboard

Floor Plan

Shot list, Schedule 

Collaboration

The beauty of this entire degree is the different people you get to collaborate with. Film requires multiple hands on deck and that’s what I loved about this project. Both Sam and Kelvin offered unique insights and perspectives that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. We had to open our homes and minds to strangers and trust the process. I think this is one of the best skills we’ve learnt this semester, to really give each other the time, effort and commitment to get all three films shot with patience and diligence. The upside to working with new people is that I had to let go of a part of me that wants to control every aspect of the production. I had to put my trust into both Sam and Kelvin that they would help me navigate the new way of working through zoom. Both of them were willing to discuss options and compromise when it came to restrictions because Kelvin and I live in completely different types of homes. Sam did an excellent job of adapting to this by reconsidering his choices, initially, Kelvin and I were going to be in the kitchen in his film, but the difference in lighting became an issue. He ended up using my living room to match the shots which ended up looking more believable. Kelvin’s idea to connect the cameras to the computer drove our entire process. He was efficient and very patient, we made a great team and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. It’s not easy executing someone else’s vision but he exceeded my expectations of how my film would come together. I think this is the art of collaboration, trusting that whoever you’re working with will almost do a better job than you!

I’m really pleased with the learning experience this project served me. I definitely underestimated the power of virtual collaboration. The process took me by surprise and I’m really happy with the film itself and the way I could bring a different perspective to Sam’s script. When asking a friend to revise it and tell me about his interpretation, he said it reminded him of the climate we’re currently living in, the constant search for connection or company through screens. This was an interesting point and certainly one I took into consideration!