Summary
My process for pre-production involves planning the camera movement, angles, lighting, locations, as well as focal length to create professional mise-en-scene. I scout locations, test lighting there, then chose camera angles that enhance Zach’s analysis and create an effective film. The result of the tests and planning I have done can be seen below.
Four cinematic storytelling elements I plan on using are:
72. Tracking shot
67. Static shot
76. Handheld camera
Test Shots
Testing camera angle and movement.
Location one: TV Studio.
Location two: nature trail.
Lighting Tests
Testing lighting and angles in the TV Studio.
Testing lighting and shot types on the trail.
Equipment Checklist
2 x EOS Rebel T3i – the cameras
Shotgun Mic (attach to camera 1) – only one needed because there will be only one audio track
Alien Bees Light – used in place of the lamp
Stool – set the Alien Bees light on this
Swivel Chair – Zach sits behind the table on this in the TV Studio
Table – Zach sits behind this on the stool in the TV Studio
Zach – Screenwriter/Speaker
Sam – Director/Cinematographer
Camron – Editor/Sound Designer
Collaboration with Director
Zach and I making decisions.
Zach and I functioned almost as co-directors. We collaborated often, though I made the executive decisions regarding to the cinematography and mise-en-scene.
Set-up Sequence Workflow
Everything should be set up according to the maps located directly below. Camera 1a is the same camera as 1b. Camera 1a means that the camera is used without 1b. Camera 1a then becomes camera 1b after the shot has been captured. By doing this, our group can use two cameras instead of three.
Map of Each Location
Complete with lighting, camera placement and movement, and character movement. Also contains vital environmental information, like the table and trail.
Storyboard Notation
These are the types of shots that will be used. Camron will decide when to cut between many of these shots.
What I Learned
I learned the importance of pre-planning the cinematography. Scouting locations before filming was possibly the most important skill I developed during this week. It felt very rewarding to actually pick a location, instead of finding one on the fly. I also learned to choose lighting wisely, because I had used only natural light before but artificial light worked very well. One problem I had was with the lighting in the TV Studio. I had planned on using a lamp as a light source, but the bulb went missing. I resolved this problem by using the Alien Bees light instead of the lamp.
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