For today’s studio we were to come to class with an idea for our short film or ready to try something that interests  us. The exercise was about trying an approach or technique of filmmaking; the content was not first priority. Over the last few days I’ve brainstorming for an idea for my short film project but failed to come up with anything solid. So for this exercise I decided to approach the method of recording an interview as I am interested in the field of documentary filmmaking.

We split up into groups and took turns of assisting each other with our projects. It took us a while to set up all the gear as we had some trouble with the sound mixer but after referring to my related blog post we got it operating. I framed Brydan in an interview style. I zoomed in focused on his eyes and zoomed back out to get a crisp focus. As we were using both the light source from the window (in which we were right next to) and the artificial light source above I decided to do an auto white balance with a piece of paper. The microphone which was pluged into the camera via the sound mixer which was positioned on the table in front of Brydan just out of frame. Once all this was set up to my liking I got Mitch to ask Brydan about the cricket in which he spoke very fluently about. I didn’t end up getting many shots as Mitch’s hired help (actors) had arrived and I didn’t want to make them wait. Furthermore I wanted to give everyone else plenty of time to finish their projects, for instance Brydans which appeared more complex and time-consuming. I found the exercise to be good preparation for our short film. It was especially useful to practice working as a crew as things go more fluently if everyone has their own role to focus on. In addition it was interesting to be on the other side of the camera for a change when Mitch and I ‘acted’ out a scene that Byrdan had scripted.

Tomorrow we will be in the editing suites to edit the exercise. I don’t have a lot to edit for this exercise but maybe I will be able to go out and shoot something else, work on the video I am editing for the Latrobe Bendigo Plan B group or start formulating some ideas for my short film.

Over and Out,

Luke Egan