Photo by Max Simonson
Our group was incredibly supportive and everyone was very active in helping achieve the scene. Above all, we were professional and time conscious and our efforts at managing the public especially reflected this.
The ‘pre-production’ helped to establish how the scene would be staged in order to block reflective surfaces and on the day this really helped save time! Also we appointed Michael to direct the talent, which ultimately allowed me to remain focused on the light/camera. Since my plan was to shoot hand-held I chose to improvise with a ‘mock’ monopod and operate the camera locked to a closed tripod. This helped with steadier OTS shots (and OTS walking shot), particularly as both talent were taller than me. Although the mock monopod provided these benefits it came at a real cost – it was not sustainable or ergonomic. In fact, I could not even press record by myself, which resulted in unnecessary head and tail footage on each take. By the last shot, outside, I could no longer manage the weight without affecting composition (think skewed horizons) so thankfully Michael saved the day with his initiative and in one take got it!
Another important reflection was the changes to my proposed storyboard, which intended for the camera to operate within the opposite side of the ‘line of action’. But on the day of filming this flipped, mostly due to how the light modelled the boys’ faces… and this was by no means, a scientific practise, simply decisions based on what ‘felt’ right. Initially the shadows cast from the down-lights seemed overbearing (especially both of their offside eyes), however I chose to accept it and hoped it would further illustrate the scene’s ambiguity.
My greatest underestimation of the location was the public’s use of the space. At least 50% of our time was spent waiting for the elevator actually being used. For similar reasons I also had to sacrifice bounce boards as there was no way it was safe or practical. These factors required us to think on our feet but due to our recce visit we were able to make informed, artistic choices.
On a quick note, the addition of ‘extras’ in the scene (for everyone’s exercise) really added to the cinematic quality of our work and I feel enables the project to be considered more than just an exercise.
No doubt our planning and investigation of each location prior to filming, helped to establish a vision and on the day form smarter lighting decisions. But for me, the support and focus of our crew/cast attributed to our success – it truly was a team effort! Our efficiency and collaboration made for both a professional and fun experience.