Final of trial #1 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nDEG8MdaJa18W-DxN1izm9_MqWZSo62k/view?usp=sharing
final of trial #2 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1codXosplDlCRISxmY-9Gi2eLOEO3p6sp/view?usp=sharing
I found this shoot very educational and fun. I’ve always been very nervous about picking up any camera, but this exercise helped me realise that to make something you just have to shoot it. It has helped me loosen up and become more ok with mistakes and imperfection. What I enjoyed most was rediscovering the pure joy of filming whatever comes to mind. In future I will definitely replicate this exercise to get a feel of a location and break into the mindset of my actors.
This exercise also helped me remove the awkward ‘in between’ moments of trying to film a scene. For example having to yell “CUT!” to create a new camera set up, which might cause actors to lose momentum. This “run with it” approach also made it easier to think of new ideas on the fly and become more flexible!
This was a very rewarding experience. Syncing up with my actor and really being in the moment is was so exciting and irreplaceable.
Interview with the actor:
- How did you find the shoot?
“It was good, it only took a few hours and a lot of the planning aspect/preparation for the scene was a process of elimination, Brainstorming movements, dialogue, improvisations, pacing, camera techniques and spacial construction. I found the lines pretty easy, considering a lot of the lines weren’t planned beforehand, a lot of the communications with the director/camera operator were loose and easy to follow along, i felt like at times the movements that i needed to memorize (although simple.e.g. sliding a door) came to become complicated when compiled all together to complete the one shot. at times i would perfect the opening section, to completely neglect what i had to do immediately after, which in turn.. due to human error on my behalf, lead to multiple takes being ruined. i’d like to believe that with each mistake, i would improve on the following take. Another interesting element, i might add, was the camera operator/actor dynamic, i felt very comfortable working in this environment where there was opportunity to build or cut back on aspects of the project as the day went along. i never felt like an addition or subtraction of dialogue or movement was unnecessary, and given the time that i was present, i feel like we landed on the best possible outcome, and in reviewing the final take.”