This week, faced with the challenge of directing and shooting a re-interpreted form of a scene/shot of our choice – I relied on my skills of improvisation in order to safely see me through. The piece chosen was a musical number: ‘Dance 10, Looks 3’.

Instead of the initial idea, covering and shooting the scene as a complete monologue, in a very serious, sombre and fragmented way – the idea took on a different form when handed the camera.
Instead of solely shooting the scene as a monologue, it took on the form of a 2 person piece.

Decidedly, I re-interpreted the monologue to be a criminal investigation, where someone was being interviewed by the police. I used a long table to create distance between the characters and create a sterile, unwelcoming environment.

Initially, the scene was established using a wide shot. Then, using over-shoulder coverage, I attempted to portray the anxiety and nervousness of the scene by accentuating the distance and the tension between the characters.

I intended to increase the nervousness of the scene by using increasingly more close up coverage of the character being interviewed as she says her monologue. I did this to highlight the feeling of discomfort I intended to portray within the scene.

As for editing – I want to create something jagged and fragmented with perhaps background noise of a ticking clock or something to do with timing in order to create more anxiety within the scene.

Ultimately, filming and covering the re-interpreted scene went relatively well. I enjoy the flowing of ideas when put under the pressure of improvisation. Some issues experienced where the focusing of the camera when attempting to shoot coverage of the character’s eyes/mouth. Also, upon reflection, I believe I crossed the 180 line when shooting this coverage – which could work in my favor in regards to creating something disjointed and jagged.