Preparing for shooting the film
Locations
I need to find 3 locations:
1 main location to shoot in - Blank space so I can create and black out the room. This creates a blank canvas to create the space I need. It will be a controllable space, where I can create clear shadows with lighting.
2 separate locations for 1 scene. To cut from the front of the character looking out to the sea but the audience views the woods she has entered, to the back of the character looking over the sea.
Location 1 - Outskirts of woods.
Location 2 - Cliffs by the sea.
Main Location
Problems
Upon searching locations for the main shoot, I tried to contact my local studio to see if were available at the time which unfortunately is was not. So, I had to research and look elsewhere. First I looked at school halls for hire, as they may be able to help out, but I found difficulty in room sizes. At the same time I needed to search for spaces that could be blacked out. So I then searched for community halls, and this also proved some difficulty with my requirements. Upon browsing, I noticed a studio for hire for quite cheap, so I looked at the link and photos. It was a photography studio. This was also quite small. After speaking to Laura she suggested talking to UCA Rochester main building to see if there were any space there. So I contacted Heike Lowenstein who is course leader of Photography at Rochester campus. I heard no reply. At the same time I searched numerous photography studios which gave good prices such as Studio 101 enquiring about my specific requirements. After trying to chase up on them through numerous emails and phone calls, I had no response.
Alternative Suggestions
Time was running out and as the Director and script writer I could re-write the script. A suggestion from my team thought about filming this in the woods. This could have been an idea, but as for lighting, it would be too bright, and because of leaves and grass on the floor, I would not be able to create clear shadows that I would like.
Solution
As the Producer, I was searching for ways of putting up curtains without damaging studio walls. As usual, I was browsing cheap ways of doing this such as long portable clothes rails which could extend quite high, but none seem to be cheap nor high enough to cover the height of walls.
I managed to look at rails and thought about tension rods which could extend and have the capability to hold up curtains such as shower curtains. Some had different lengths, but upon choosing one, with the knowledge that we were going to film in Studio 101. I used their measurements. (7mx4m)
As the length of the room was quite long, I came up with and idea to get some bamboo, tie them together and lay them across the top of the length of the tension rods. Bamboo is usually quite sturdy and strong, looking at prices they cost £4 for 10 1.8m. All I needed were some black lightweight material to cover the walls.
In the end, I decided to contact Laura again to borrow the Uni Lecture room to shoot this scene. This helped with bringing down the costs of location. As a Director I had a scene in which I needed some height, but due to difficulty in finding a suitable location, I may have to find alternative ways of shooting.
(Floor Plan)
Locations for last scene
Looking at the script the character stares out to the sea. This to me tells me that I need to find coastal locations. Behind the character we will see the woods. Directing this scene, I wanted to shoot a continuous shot of her getting up looking out to the sea, then track around her and and see the woods behind and the wooden door frame disappear. Searching for a location with these exact details and requirements had been difficult. Looking at editing tutorials, I may be able to do this with green screen, but with a low budget and no CGI artist to help, I had to find an alternative way of getting this. I decided to cut 2 shots together from two different locations, with the power of editing they will look like they are in the same space.
I really like the White Cliffs of Dover as it will complement the characters dress. So I decided to do some more research on shooting locations. I managed to find some wooded area in Dover nearby which could match up when editing. I decided to look for these two locations near each other so I can shoot in the same day, rather than 2 separate days for short takes.
I have emailed the KentFilm Council about the shoot, and I have also personally emailed the owners of the grounds about shooting there. Still awaiting for a response.
(Floor Plan)
Talking to owners of locations, I will need permission to film. If it were a professional shoot, the owners of the location will have knowledge of when we are coming, how big the crew size is, and if we need to accommodate any trailers and catering requirements etc... As a producer there are paperwork that needs to be signed off, such as risk assessments, location contracts, permission to film. For some locations especially in London, will require parking permits if it is a large production and vans need to park up. Some places may need to block off roads, in which more paperwork needs to be agreed to and signed off.
Last minute changes
As I didn't hear from the owners of the planned location, I had to think where I could film which could look similar to what I wanted. I realised I had filmed at Abbey Woods before, so I decided to go there to film the woods scene. Upon filming locations to fit the actors availability, I decided to film the beginning woods scene together with the end scene of the exterior shot of the woods on the same day. Instead of driving in the morning to catch the daylight, then again in the evening, I planned to get to the woods early, and capture the woods at dark just before the sun rises for the beginning scene. I need the woods to be at the right lighting so I can create the flickering light against sunlight. Then after, I can film the end scene where the character is on the outskirts of the woods. Doing this, I can avoid members of public and traffic getting to the location. Filming these scenes will be a challenge as we would be in the race against time and daylight. I needed to get the shots quick where it is bright enough that the camera can capture the scene, but not too bright where the flickering light can not be seen against the sunlight.
(Floor Plan)
Talking to owners of locations, I will need permission to film. If it were a professional shoot, the owners of the location will have knowledge of when we are coming, how big the crew size is, and if we need to accommodate any trailers and catering requirements etc... As a producer there are paperwork that needs to be signed off, such as risk assessments, location contracts, permission to film. For some locations especially in London, will require parking permits if it is a large production and vans need to park up. Some places may need to block off roads, in which more paperwork needs to be agreed to and signed off.
Last minute changes
As I didn't hear from the owners of the planned location, I had to think where I could film which could look similar to what I wanted. I realised I had filmed at Abbey Woods before, so I decided to go there to film the woods scene. Upon filming locations to fit the actors availability, I decided to film the beginning woods scene together with the end scene of the exterior shot of the woods on the same day. Instead of driving in the morning to catch the daylight, then again in the evening, I planned to get to the woods early, and capture the woods at dark just before the sun rises for the beginning scene. I need the woods to be at the right lighting so I can create the flickering light against sunlight. Then after, I can film the end scene where the character is on the outskirts of the woods. Doing this, I can avoid members of public and traffic getting to the location. Filming these scenes will be a challenge as we would be in the race against time and daylight. I needed to get the shots quick where it is bright enough that the camera can capture the scene, but not too bright where the flickering light can not be seen against the sunlight.
0 comments:
Post a Comment