Preparing our first video prompt for the writers was an interesting process. We were given the task of creating an “action” based prompt. Being such an open-ended brief, it took us some time to work out what our options were. After some clarification, we headed out into RMIT to investigate what our options were and potentially film a trial on our phone.
At first, we thought we could use stairs as a setting, and film someone walking up from the adjacent escalators. While this wasn’t a bad idea, it shows the re-occurring pre-occupation we had with what would look “cool” or be fun to film, rather than what it was that we were filming and how that would influence or inspire the writers. We soon moved on from that idea and found a revolving door, which we decided to film someone walking through (as the action). We filmed me walking through from different angles. Amber shot it, and so there were only practical roles for the two of us at this stage.
We then took it downstairs and assembled a rough cut, and upon further consideration decided to finish it using the phone (rather than the provided EX3). While this meant our final product wasn’t of a very high technical standard, nor was it as visually pleasing as it would have been shot on the film camera, it was incredibly more efficient. Furthermore, I don’t think we would have had the skills in our group to operate the EX3. This is an issue I am concerned with regarding our impending group formation (for the rest of the semester). I don’t feel I bring a lot of technical skills to the table, and I think the varying skill levels of the class is something that needs to be taken into consideration when we form the final groups.
We ended up finishing the editing in class too. The final result was fitting with the open brief, and time we had spent on it. It was a basic video of a girl walking through a revolving door. It wasn’t a masterpiece technically but it wasn’t shabby either. The dramatic orchestral music we used as the accompanying track helped give it more life and purpose. For what our brief was and how much it is worth, I am happy with the final outcome.
In terms of how our group worked, we were efficient and appropriately collaborative. It was hard as there weren’t many production roles (no sound recording, only one camera operator etc.), but those who didn’t do much in the filming did more of the editing. Something else I am concerned about regarding group formation is how we work together in the groups, between those who are more vocal and those who often end up in the backseat of decision making and planning. I think it’s important that we ensure everyone feels comfortable speaking up, and that everyone is equally engaged in the production process in one way or another.
In terms of how the writers may respond, I have no idea! I am really interested to see what they make of it. There is still a lot to take from such a basic video- maybe a character, a place, a situation, and so forth. I’m not sure how much they have to use the prompts, or if they are just there as a suggestion. I’m looking forward to finding out.