In this scene our group had the task of interpreting a script with unlimited shots and only one line of dialogue. This made me realize that sometimes having no limitations can be even more creatively limiting than having constraints.

The aim of this CU shot was to isolate and establish these two characters as important. This alignment of their faces also emphasizes their closeness in proximity, which highlights their difference in facial expression and general awkwardness of the situation.

Pulling focus for this shot was difficult because I didn’t know how long the shot was meant to be and how I was supposed to sync up focus with camera movement, I realized this about a second after “ACTION.” As a result I ended up repeatedly pulling in and out between the two faces to give our editor some options within the take. This ended up being fine because the final cut had very fast cuts.

For next time: 1. Make sure everyone on camera has a clear idea of the purpose of the shot as well as length.

Improvising for the Space 

After reading the script and noting the part where onlookers gave judgmental looks to our main characters, we tried to create a busy, closed space to draw attention to the lack of privacy in the scene. To do this we placed Tyler and Jesslyn in as dancing extras. Working with a limited amount of people meant we had to be particularly strategic about blocking in to make the most of the two people we had. At the last minute I thought it would be good to include the tile column in order to fake a smaller space.

Our focus on trying to create full busy shots while switching roles under a strict time limit made us forget about continuity. We forget to keep our two dancers in the same spot, this caused a strange jumping around effect when everything was put together.