Production diary

in the session on Saturday the 14th, we shot our short film. Firstly we got all of our equipment ready and then reassured ourselves with how to work the camera. After that we went to our first location, which was the amphitheater; this is where we shot the outside scene, where Rosa (played by Emily Dawson) and Sam (played by David Carpenter) go out.

After a schedule change, we realised we had to shoot this scene first due to the weather that was coming (rain). After this, we shot our studios scenes: Sams accident and Sam smashing his guitar. I really enjoyed this scene as I thought it was quite challenging as an actor-filling yourself with rage and then actually smashing a guitar – it was very different from the performances I’ve done before, but it was amazing! I love challenging myself as an actor.

In addition we then had a break, and then moved onto our final shots: the dancing scene and the after emotions to when Sam smashed his guitar.This was really nice, as it was a nice end of the day, but I got to really express the emotions of deafness affecting me, and it really touched me emotionally.

I have learnt that making / being in film Is really fun, especially when everyone’s coordinating and there’s a positive energy running through the group. It was really fun! Technical wise, I have learnt a more in depth knowledge towards working with everyone on set and handling equipment. It’s crucial that everyone was communicating well and being really clear on what shots we were going for and how the camera should positioned and where we stand as actors. An example of this was before we started shooting our first scene, we had to get in our starting postions but keep moving to get the right angle of the shot.

While filming one way we all worked with each other was by helping with equipment. This was really helpful,especially when it came to transferring ourselves to different locations. It made the job easier and quicker. Another way we worked with each other was with strong communication, this was vital for everything. Examples are us all helping with camera work, while the director helps direct the actors, and the camera crew adjust their equipment to shoot. As an actor I had to make sure I was in character, while working with all of the crew ,listening for instructions ; we had to listen for turning, sound, rolling and action.

From here, we need to develop our film by editing. We need to all work on this, by cropping and adding transitions and fades. Also on the film day, we recorded many muffled sounds and street noise, therefore we need to import this to the film.With good teamwork and resilience our film will have amazing results.

3.1 – Explain the importance of teamwork when working on a film production

In my team, we have two actors, one DOP, one director, a editor, a producer and camera crew. We all worked together by keeping contact through meetings and group chats. In these meetings we always discussed ideas, what will happen in certain sessions and how we can help to make our film. An example of this was the last session before filming, as a group we had to discuss who will bring props and how we can all contribute to help filming and what to bring on set. However in the group chats, we was able to ask questions and help each other. I really loved this, as it developed our team work and friendships all in one, it allowed us to get to know each other on more personal levels, which made us enjoy all the sessions and work together fantastically. Before the official shoot, our group worked together by discussing and writing our shot list, and helping the producer complete the risk assessment sheet. After this we told each other what costumes to bring, along with props and things like baby wipes just in case.

During production, our group worked together fantastically! We were very grateful for our mentor Rebeca Mark-Lawson, who guided us when we was unsure, some brilliant examples of Rebeca guiding us was telling us postions to get camera to get the perfect shot which our scene required, although we knew what shot we wanted from out shot list, sometimes getting the camera In postions would be tricky. The help guiding us made us all feel confident, but also grew our independence on knowing what to do.

3.3 Describe how you worked with others collaboratively on your film production

From the start, our group established a nice and calm atmosphere to avoid stress, and frustrations, which worked perfectly as it’s majorly important that there’s no complications.We all helped each other moving equipment and getting scenes ready, however as an actor on set, my group was really encouraging but also gave us time to channel our characters when we needed moments.From post production, we have been celebrating our success, and talked about (not in great detail) what cuts to make, transitions in editing and ideas in lighting and sound to import to the the video. We did this while shooting, as we recorded different sounds such as: muffled sounds, outside sounds to get into the video.

If there’s not good team work, I feel straight away this generates a sense of downfall, and a unsuccessful day shooting.This is not ideal, as this could result in no shots, arguments and pure negativity.

In my team, there was not one moment where our team didn’t excel in teamwork, we all communicated and supported each other. This effected our production process as being really enjoyable and something that we can cherish.Having no stress and just being focused made the time fly by, but also just made the whole process more enjoyable and I’d love to do it again and for the rest of my life.