Construction Post 22: Reflections on our Main Shoot Session

Our main shoot session took place on the Sunday 26th February 2017. The timings were the same as our test shoot with a call time of 9:00am and a wrap time of 4:00pm. Below is an emaze which contains a copy of our main shootboard. 

For our main shoot we used the feedback from our teachers and our media technician to help us make improvements from our test shoot. For this shoot one of our biggest concerns was making sure all the timings were as accurate as possible so that our opening is within the time limit. We did this by taking a photograph of our timeline with all the individual shot timings and transferring them onto the shootboard on the day. Using our phones we timed how long it took to film each shot and repeated them until the timings were as close as possible to our timeline. 

Another was ensuring that our jogger/red herring sequence wasn't confusing. We had spent time planning this sequence out again, making changes to our timeline and storyboard, so that we were prepared on the shoot day. We did this by filming from behind our character instead of from the side. We also cut out the side shots of the jogger and instead tried out a variety of alternatives including a jogger point of view shot and an over the shoulder shot. We also included a shot of both the lawyer and the joggers feet to help build the tension as the jogger gets closer. Another thing we changed was having the jogger physically bump into the lawyer in order for Tyra's (our lead actress) reaction to be more startled and genuine.

Below is a compilation of the different jogger shots we tried out. 

Finally we developed our main character further through the use of costume and props. We changed her costume so that it was more professional and formal as her dress in the test shoot was not an appropriate choice for a high profile lawyer. Additionally we borrowed a briefcase from our teacher to emphasise that she is a professional, working woman. On top of this we bought a neck band (a clothing garment that barristers wear in court) for her to put in her briefcase to highlight the fact that she is a lawyer. This was emphasised further through our new document which contain the words "Release Form" on it. This was included so that the audience see the character sign the document and show that she is responsible for legal papers and has an important job.

I believe that our bedroom sequence was the most successful part of our shoot. It was quick and simple to film and we were all happy with the shots we included. We decided to remove the tights shot and hair shot as they were time consuming and slightly unnecessary. Instead we added a ring shot as it is much quicker and added some variety. In addition to this we managed to get our long hand held shot within the correct time requirement. We also made the jump from the bedroom to the kitchen smoother by having the lawyer walk into the kitchen and turn on the radio.

Overall I feel that our main shoot was successful as we collected a wide range of footage and now have options to look through during the edit weeks.