Re-Shooting the First Scene

Today we allocated the day to recording the first scene. We collected our actor, Ben, and got to the location of the first scene: the assembly hall. It took a while to kick in to stride because lighting in the assembly hall was causing a problem but after several adjustments, we were able to shoot properly. We managed to fit in all the shots we planned to do from our shot list. There were no units of drama we were having difficulties with although we struggled to shoot a high-angle shot from a higher platform in the hall which was going to be used as a long shot. The reason why this took us quite a lot of attempts is because it was quite hard to gain access to this place as staff were concerned for everyone's safety. At the end we managed to shoot this part without anyone getting hurt.

Recording and Editing the Establishing Shot

Today we dedicated our day to filming and editing the establishing shot. It was important to keep safe and the equipment to be intact because we decided to shoot the establishing shot outside school but recording the school. Unfortunately, the cameras we were using were not insured so we had be careful using the cameras outside.

We recorded the school building and it's surroundings for around 10 minutes so we can see the usual activities that happen on palace street. The purpose of doing this is so that we can also have the opening credits in this shots and will be a good introduction to the introduction.

After successfully recording the establishing shot, we decided to edit it on the very same day because recording the establishing shot was quicker than expected. We trimmed out 2 minutes of the 10 minute clip because of faults in the recording. Transitions we added were various fades because in film, fades suggest that time has passed which applies to our film opening. We also speeded up our final 8 minute clip to a brief 15 seconds so the establishing shot almost works as a time lapse which is very effective in the fact that it sets an atmosphere for the film.

Location for Establishing Shot

For our establishing shot we decided to leave the school and have a still long shot of the school from Cardinal Place. We set up the camera on the tripod at a reasonable height and recorded for approximately 5 minutes. We did this as it will also be the background footage as to when the credits will be on screen. We also decided to have another shot on the roof opposite of the school building and recorded for around 10 seconds. This would be used after the establishing shot to allow the viewers to become familiar with the school setting and environment.