Workshop 1 - Conversation

We split into groups of 6 and filmed a short scene between a detective and a prisoner;

• Ben - Director
• Lauren - Cameraman
• Ryan - Prisoner
• Sam - Detective
• Jodie - Cameraman
• Ellie-Mae - Clapperwoman

Armando roughly created a script that was over 1 minute long which we used to film our short scene. We decided as a group that Sam was the Detective and Ryan was the Prisoner; none of the Performing Arts students were enthusiastic about filming. Ellie-Mae and I wanted to use the camera and learn about how to use it because we're always performing so it was nice to learn about both sides of the camera. Jodie said that she wanted to be a prisoner for the first time as we were recording the short scene twice, then she decided to work the camera so that left Sam and Ryan doing nothing and they volunteered to be the actors. Sam wasn't confident being in front of the camera so we all tried to help him 'get into character' and to calm down as he was nervous. Before we started recording, Sam and Ryan read through their lines together and Ben directed them as he'd created a storyboard so he wanted it to reflect that. This gave everyone to get to grips of what their role was; I learnt how to use the camera and what positions Ben wanted them to be in and Ellie-Mae learnt how to use the Clapper and what she should say and write.

Using the camera today instead of acting was really interesting because I got a taster of what it's like to work with a camera and how continuity is very important; Gemz pointed out some minor mistakes when filming such as Sam's reflection in the window or Ryan's hand, when raised, wasn't clear. Perfection is the key! Everything has to be clear and nothing can be in the way as it will interrupt the shot and when editing the shots and putting them together, it won't make sense because it won't look right. I was the first one to use the camera; Jodie and I took it in turns to use it. I filmed the first few shots of the conversation and Jodie filmed the rest. Our first shot was infront of Ryan and having the door in the shot so that Sam is seen entering the Interrogation room and it shows that Ryan is the stronger character because he's sat in the chair, looking up at the ceiling and acting quite relaxed about the situation. We adjusted the cameras height so that it was just above the table and used the tripod. I was nervous to begin with because I thought I was going to mess up the shot or something but as I got used to it, I was fine; Ben was helping me and standing close by as he was Director. I have benefited from this exercise because I've learnt how to successfully turn on a camera, put it on a tripod, how to set up a tripod and how to record! I've had a lot of fun recording because I'm an actor so I'll be needed in front of the camera a lot of the time so it's good to do something different and learn about the other side and how to use it.

As none of the actors wanted to take part in the short film, Sam volunteered to be the Detective which was a relief for the people that didn't want to act but also a chance for Sam to be on the other side of the camera. He was nervous about the acting and he took some time to "get into character"; we all laughed at him say this because the actors normally just get on with it, however I was proud of him for trying to do it and everyone laughing at him probably decreased his self-esteem and confidence. We only had an hour to film this bad boy so we got right to it; Sam was trying so hard (bless him) to 'be the Detective' and he kept rehearsing his lines and creating a pathway in his mind of where he wanted to walk which was good because he was getting prepared, however this wasted a lot of recording time so we just hurried him but wasn't mean about it.

Above is my group's Interrogation Scene; We watched our films back and made notes on what was good and what wasn't so good;

• Our use of the camera angles (composition) were good as we included blocking - in our first shot, Ryan was sat at the table, both hands spread faced down and the camera was in line with the table but at a tilt so that Ryan looks a little higher. Sam walks in and says his line, however the focus is still on Ryan.
• Ben and Ryan both edited the film and made it black and white which looked really good because of the mood that the film creates. However, the film included a fade transitions which represents a passage of time and we didn't have that so it didn't look as effective as what it would if it was used in the right way.
• Although they'd both rehearsed before we recorded, some of the actors' lines weren't very clear; Sam rushed his lines; I think it was due to nerves and Ryan mumbled some of his lines.
• We couldn't help the silly little things like the sun reflecting off the windows or people walking past to their lessons because of the location.
• We broke the 180 degree rule!

Above is Saffie's group and their Interrogation Scene;

Saffie: Detective

Shanice: Prisoner

Jack: Cameraman

Lauren and Dylan: Clapper people

Bi: Editing

• Broke the 180 degree line also!
• 'Point of view' shot; The short film starts with ShaniceShanice's point of view.
• Shanice was supposed to be the higher character because her characteristics were laid back and not really bothered, however Saffie was on screen more than Shanice which took away the power of the Prisoner. They are aware of their mistake which is good for future recordings.
• Continuity; Shanice gestures a clock ticking and has to raise her hand; in the shot that was filmed, her hand is in exactly the same place ready for the tick-tock gesture.
• Jack filmed Shanice placing her hand on the table after the clock gesture; this was effective as it emphasises Shanice's power as the Prisoner (covered action).
• During the editing stage, Bi forgot to add a shot into the scene which was clear as when Saffie and Shanice are talking, they had filmed both of them from different angles and only Saffie was added. They realised their mistake after the final editing was finished.
• Saffie used the table in the scene which was good, however she leaned over it too much.
• The camera shots need to be closer to the eye line.
• Overall, both of their acting was well portrayed.