Diary of production for our three days of filming our opening sequence thriller film

1. Filming Day 1 – 29.11.15
After reviewing some of our footage
we realised that the intensity of the
wind was rather overpowering in our
audio and so some lines could not be
heard as clearly as desired.
As feedback from our prelim
regarding our audio stated that it was
muffled by unwanted background
noise, we were determined to
prevent this from happening in our
main production, and so took the
initiative to conjure ways to solve this
problem.
Initially we used a voice recorder that
we had our actors speak their lines
into (matching the footage), however
we found that it wasn’t realistic
enough as it was clear they were in a
room. Therefore we decided to
return to the woods and re-film the
shots. We were able to acquire a
boom mic which we used to pick up
the dialogue so that it will sound
clearer.
Again, to maintain the same mise en
scene, we ensured that the setting,
characters’ outfits, hair and make-up
were all exactly the same so that our
production is as realistic as possible.
We also filmed at roughly the same
time as to ensure lighting is
consistent, another suggested
improvement from our prelim.
Introduction
We were prepared to begin our filming and had planned our actions for the day. With our
equipment ready (my camera – for filming, a school camera – for filming when my camera’s
battery runs out, Ellie’s camera – as a prop, and a tripod – for filming steady shots). We
arranged this date and were all able to participate in our first day of filming.
Aim: To shoot the majority of scenes of the breakfast scene shots and begin filming in the
wood.
Location 1: Abi’s house – kitchen and conservatory
Time Action
09:30am We met at Abi’s house as planned and set up and organised the equipment and
actors needed to film the breakfast scene in Abi’s kitchen and conservatory
10:00am We began filming our shots included in this scene (1-23)
Thanks to our well-organised planning which included the preparation of call sheets, all crew
members attended on time and the filming went ahead smoothly.
Photographs on set

2. Review
My role: I took on the role of operating the camera which involves setting up the shots as
planned. Guided by our shot list and storyboards which proved a useful piece of planning I was
able to achieve the desired composition for each shot by arranging camera angles. I also
permitted the use of my camera to be used to film our shots enabling us to get the best quality
shots.
What went well: We were able to get some effective shots making good use of different
angles to display the usually monotonous scene of breakfast as something unique and relevant
within our piece. I feel this scene is realistic and relatable to our audience as we all enjoy
having breakfast at the weekend, or we have a parent who does. There were no disturbances
so filming went smoothly. We worked well as a team, all acting professionally and contributing
to production.
Even better if: Reviewing our footage we discovered errors such as a few out-of-focus shots
which will need to be re-filmed in our next shoot. Also the natural lighting is difficult to control
and so one scene where Abi’s dad walking towards the table is rather dark as the lighting
seeping through the window overpowers the scenary turning elements into almost
silhouettes. I will need to change the positioning of the camera next time to ensure that
everything is correctly lit.
One unavoidable problem we faced here was the unavailability of the newspaper article
required for shot number 23. It is impossible to film the shot without our newspaper article
which was prepared beforehand by Grace. Although we had this prepared, we had to wait
until filming in the woods to get the exact same picture so that the picture flows smoothly into
the start of shot one.
Location 2: Caddington Woods
Time Action
12:20pm We arrived at the woods, set up our equipment and put up several posters to
warn citizens that we were filming
02:30pm We returned to Abi’s house to charge the camera batteries and have lunch, and
then returned to continue filming
04:00pm We wrapped up and headed home
Walking to the woods

3. Review 2
My role: Again I was the camera operator; moving and adjusting the tripod and camera
settings to produce impressive shots. I also ensured that we acted responsibly and complied
with the risk assessment I prepared in order to protect all members of our crew and the
public. I wore the hi-vis filming jacket to alert others that we are filming and so are not to be
disturbed. Anastasiya (who acts as our antagonist and is only seen in several scenes and so
was often by my side) also wore a jacket as seen in the photo to increase awareness.
What went well: I think our shots here were also successful and following the shot list I
executed the angles effectively resulting in footage that we were all pleased with. We
remembered to bring all the necessary props as captured in the images above such as Ellie’s
own camera which the character she plays uses to take pictures in the woods. Grace who plays
herself also brought her sketchbook which we were able to use in shots as planned.
Even better if: We had to return home in the middle of the shoot to get another camera as the
one we were using was running low on battery. Therefore next time we will remember to
bring both cameras (with full charge).
Overview of shoot 1
Our first shoot was mostly a success as we took prepared effectively. We all assumed our
positions as planned and I am pleased that we could all be present and were able to take
initiative to solve problems for example by bringing several SD cards so that when we ran out
we could replace it and continue filming, and managing the battery use of our cameras.
Despite the strong wind the weather was satisfying and I was pleased that it did not rain. Our
organisation was aided greatly by the planning we completed including the call sheets that
ensured crew members turned up on time. We didn’t completely follow the shooting schedule
I created as it just turned out suitable to have lunch when we had to return home to recharge
the batteries. I did not consider this however now I have learned that the camera battery is
not sufficient enough to last the whole time. I can conclude that we were able to film around
70 of our shots on this day, which is rather reasonable as tasks such as moving and arranging
the camera and getting the take right took considerably long and we had to do this several
time so that the shot was of optimal quality and so it is expected that it would be time costly.
In the woods we did encounter several citizens and their dogs, but apart from one shot that
captured a random citizen appearing in the background (which we will be able to cut out
before they appear in the shot), public interference wasn’t a large problem. The unavoidable
loud wind noise may have affected the quality of sound in our footage and so we will have to
work out how to decrease this in the editing stages. We plan to filmthe remainder of our
shots the following weekend which will be recorded below.

4. Filming Day 2 – 5.12.15
After reviewing some of our footage
we realised that the intensity of the
wind was rather overpowering in our
audio and so some lines could not be
heard as clearly as desired.
As feedback from our prelim
regarding our audio stated that it was
muffled by unwanted background
noise, we were determined to
prevent this from happening in our
main production, and so took the
initiative to conjure ways to solve this
problem.
Initially we used a voice recorder that
we had our actors speak their lines
into (matching the footage), however
we found that it wasn’t realistic
enough as it was clear they were in a
room. Therefore we decided to
return to the woods and re-film the
shots. We were able to acquire a
boom mic which we used to pick up
the dialogue so that it will sound
clearer.
Again, to maintain the same mise en
scene, we ensured that the setting,
characters’ outfits, hair and make-up
were all exactly the same so that our
production is as realistic as possible.
We also filmed at roughly the same
time as to ensure lighting is
consistent, another suggested
improvement from our prelim.
Introduction
We returned to the woods to film the rest of our shots. We must pay close attention to
continuity editing in subsequent shoots as it is of high importance that our actors (characters)
look exactly the same including their hair styles and outfits etc. Any slight differences may be
spotted by the viewer which decreases the realismof the piece. We also have to ensure that
lighting is the same as this was an issue in our prelim that we want to avoid this time around.
Aim: Film the rest of our shots plus re-filming dissatisfying shots.
Location 2: Caddington Woods
Time Action
10:30am Arrive at Abi’s house, pack equipment and head to the woods
11:00am Arrive at woods, set up and begin filming the remainder of our shots (71-end)
Review
My role: I filmed many of the shots and was involved in arranging them to look aesthetically
pleasing. I also maintained the safety of our crew once again by following the risk assessment.
What went well: We were well organised ensuring we brought several cameras with us to film
once one had run out. We returned to the house when both had died and recharged them
whilst having some lunch. Despite the cold weather which made filming an unpleasant task we
persevered on and managed to film all of our shots and head home on time as planned. We
now have a selection of successful footage to review and manipulate with editing to produce a
final piece that we are proud of and can say we did our best to produce.

5. Introduction
After reviewing some of our footage we realised that the intensity of the wind was rather
overpowering in our audio and so some lines could not be heard as clearly as desired.
As feedback from our prelim regarding our audio stated that it was muffled by unwanted
background noise, we were determined to prevent this from happening in our main
production, and so took the initiative to conjure ways to solve this problem.
Initially we used a voice recorder that we had our actors speak their lines into (matching the
footage), however we found that it wasn’t realistic enough as it was clear they were in a room.
Therefore we decided to return to the woods and re-film the shots. We were able to acquire a
boom mic which we used to pick up the dialogue so that it will sound clearer.
Again, to maintain the same mise en scene, we ensured that the setting, characters’ outfits,
hair and make-up were all exactly the same so that our production is as realistic as possible.
We also filmed at roughly the same time of the day as to ensure lighting is consistent, another
suggested improvement from our prelim.
Filming Day 3 – 12.12.15
After reviewing some of our footage
we realised that the intensity of the
wind was rather overpowering in our
audio and so some lines could not be
heard as clearly as desired.
As feedback from our prelim
regarding our audio stated that it was
muffled by unwanted background
noise, we were determined to
prevent this from happening in our
main production, and so took the
initiative to conjure ways to solve this
problem.
Initially we used a voice recorder that
we had our actors speak their lines
into (matching the footage), however
we found that it wasn’t realistic
enough as it was clear they were in a
room. Therefore we decided to
return to the woods and re-film the
shots. We were able to acquire a
boom mic which we used to pick up
the dialogue so that it will sound
clearer.
Again, to maintain the same mise en
scene, we ensured that the setting,
characters’ outfits, hair and make-up
were all exactly the same so that our
production is as realistic as possible.
We also filmed at roughly the same
time as to ensure lighting is
consistent, another suggested
improvement from our prelim.
Aim: Re-filmshots containing dialogue.
Location 2: The woods
Time Action
12:30pm Myself, Abi, Ellie and Grace arrived at Abi’s house and walked down to the woods
to begin filming
03:30pm Wrap-up and pack up, head home
We were only filming a selection of our clips and so we only assigned several hours to filmon
this day. We finished in time and so our planning was successful.

6. Review
My role: I assumed my role as the camera operator, and re-
filmed the scenes. There were several I decided to change
the angle of to improve our production and make sure we
had a good selection of angles and shots within the piece. I
also had to use the boom mic whilst filming, which proved a
change but I was successful in multi-tasking.
What went well: All required crew members attended and
in the correct attire. The weather and setting hadn’t
changed much over the past week and we avoided the spot
of rain meaning our new footage is similar to our previous
ones. I was able to re-film the necessary parts and get a
couple of unique ones in to improve our production. In
several scenes where not all three actors were required,
they assisted me with the mic. I successfully carried out
shots involving focus pulls which were previously difficult to
master.
Overall, during this final shoot we were able to re-film shots
containing audio which were significantly clearer than the
previous ones, improving the overall quality of the
production.