Tomorrow I will be conducting my last shoot for The Scene in Cinema. The scene I plan on directing, as part of my exploration into the 180 degree line, is probably my largest and most complex endeavour thus far. I will be directing four actors in the scene, and will have at least one other person helping me to record.

The previous two 180 degree line cross scenes I have shot have only contained two actors, so the jump to four characters has been a significant challenge. There will be three primary characters in the scene, and a fourth character will enter the discussion at the end of the clip. From the research I have done, there ability to film an encounter between more than two people without crossing the line is extremely difficult and requires a lot of planning. I’ve found that being able to plan the scene with an effective line cross in mind has also required some deep thought and probably some trial and error on the day. In order to cover all of my bases, I hope to film the discussion from several different camera set up positions, with the hopes to edit the scene in two different ways, seeing which works best.

I have deliberately written a scene which is tension fuelled, in order to give the line cross a purpose, and perpetuate this tone. The main aim of this shoot is to be able to cover the stressful discussion in a clear, but interesting manner. I hope that the line cross turns out well, so that it not only provides interesting coverage, but also to prove that this techniques can be of valid use in particular circumstances.

Finally, I hope that the planning I’ve conducted over the past few days does not cloud my thoughts when filming, and that I’ll be able to recognize if opportunities to change the plan arise on the day, or can adapt if I find a better shot to use. I also think that this exercise will prompt some more thoughts on the collaborative process, coverage and the technical skills I have learnt over the course of the semester.