Third Day: Filming Shenanigans

February 23 / 2024

My partner and I have accumulated approximately three days of filming experience at this juncture. However, there have been many interruptions and mess-ups in our scenes. I grew slightly impatient with the continuous adjustments required. Nonetheless, maintaining this consistency is integral to enhancing the quality of our content. My partner and I compiled a list of necessary adjustments, including refining non-verbal character development. In my recent blog post, I emphasized the importance of our actors delving deeper into character traits and immersing themselves in the background of our thesis. This aligns with our focus on effectively conveying points and advancing the plot, which revolves around creating a sense of fear and intrigue, deliberately blurring the lines between protagonist and antagonist. Exploring concepts such as blocking and staging, which are novel to us in film, has proven beneficial. Fortunately, the nature of filming allows us the flexibility to pause and resume as needed, facilitating experimentation and refinement. However, the process of capturing videos is not without its struggles. From battling unpredictable weather conditions to grappling with technical malfunctions, every shoot presents its own set of challenges. Ensuring consistency in performance and visual aesthetics across multiple takes requires patience and meticulous attention to detail. Additionally, juggling filming schedules alongside other responsibilities demands careful planning and effective time management. Despite these hurdles, the satisfaction of seeing our vision come to life on screen makes every effort worthwhile, fueling our determination to overcome obstacles and deliver a polished final product. Blocking, in particular, dictates the positioning of key elements on the stage relative to the audience, with our actors naturally occupying the forefront of the frame. Our filming schedule has been carefully structured to accommodate our other commitments, providing a framework for reference. Breaking up filming over several days allows us to review progress and discuss necessary adjustments before our deadline. Balancing the dissemination of information with fostering curiosity requires finesse, especially as technical challenges like lighting, sound, and continuity grow in complexity. Additionally, directing actors to authentically convey emotions and chemistry adds another layer of complexity. Each hurdle overcome signifies progress and paves the way for a compelling narrative to unfold. The film's commitment and collaborative spirit, fueled by perseverance and creativity, are evident from its inaugural scene. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the culmination of our team's efforts and the narrative we are crafting together.