The first translation of my observation has finally been completed. This reflection will talk about its process of idea development, actual filming. It will further analyse the difficulties I encountered during the whole filmmaking to find out what can be done better next time.

Idea:

As it was mentioned before, the sense of over self-centred needs to be avoided in the film. Our discussion with Robin helped a lot to solve this problem. Robin suggested that the most impressive elements of my observation were my perspective (how the cafe is seen through my eyes) and the ‘craftsmanship’. To think from this point, it may be a good idea to directly show my perspective in the film which refers to have myself in the frame. Thus, the film will be shot from the omniscient perspective and I agree this choice could make it more like a script than a diary. This idea had been shaped in my brain from the end of that class to our first shooting on 20th April. To develop the filmic feeling, I got an inspiration that my unilateral gaze could be turned into the eye contact between me and the filter coffee cup (although it doesn’t have eyes). It is the communication between human and machine. I tried to picture the scene and it reminded me of some clips from the film Amélie, for example, Amelie holds the spoon and the camera shots her upper body from a higher angle above the eye line and zooms to her eyes. As Robin said, the shot size and camera position would be the key points to create the ‘virtual’ eye contact. For the ending, I want it to be ambiguous. The observation describes my pleasure of watching the dripping coffee, that the repetitive movement of drops is like the spinning top in Inception, so I will try to achieve a similar suspensive feeling.

Actual Filming:

Most difficulties appeared during the actual filming. We were not able to film all the clips we need for the first time. The cafe was very crowded at that time so we couldn’t set the camera. After about one hour’s waiting, we went back again to shoot the opening scene. This part can be done better next time that I should check the location and its busy hours. Then, we were asked for the filming permission. I think I took the right action to contact Robin and actively solve the problem. However, there is always something that I can’t control. The market didn’t reply to my application so we could only go there again to film it slinkingly (we got permission from staffs in the cafe). During the shooting, the idea also developed a bit more. I need to appear at the beginning to make the continuity, such as looking at the coffee beans or walking in to order. However, I came up with the idea that the camera would not focus on me and just filmed me as other passersby. This may surprise the audiences when I become the protagonist later in the film.

In all, translating the observations into films is an impressive experience that I can produce my own film. I’m generally satisfied with the idea development that discussed with Robin and Aria. However, for actual making, things always need more preparation and research.