Studio Shoot Filming Days!

Shoot Day One

Before I came in for our call time of 8:30 on Shoot day 1 I made sure I had read over the official Call sheet and finalised Shoot Schedule which Katherine our Producer had done the day before and sent to us. Here is the call sheet for Day one of shooting:

Team Members

Executive Producer: Rosie Gunn.

Producer: Katherine Whetton / Runner

Director: Logan Gourlay.

Assistant Producer: Nicole Harman – Smith / Boom Operator

Assistant Director: Billie Williams

DOP: Ethan Salley

Maisie Mok: Camera Operator (Camera A)

Sugini Nageswaran: Camera Assistance (Camera B)

Jay Bonner: Production Designer

Oliver Burns: Gaffer

Umor Hussian: Gaffer Assistant

Adeleke Adewale: Sound Recordist

Chloe Debonaire: Storyboard / Grip.

Location

G12,

The University of The Creative Arts,

Falkner Road,

Farnham,

GU9 7DS.

Unit Call: 8:30am

On location: 9:00am

Set up duration (Dolly): 9:00am – 9:30am

Lighting set up duration: 9:00am – 9:30am

Shot: Sceen 2, E.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Duration: 09:30 – 09:45am

Shot: Scene 3, B.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: 09:45am – 09:57am

Duration: 09:57am  - 10:12am

Shot: Scene 4, A.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: 10:12am – 10:20am

Duration: 10:20am – 10:35am

Shot: Scene 2, F.

Actor/s: Molly

Set up Duration (Tripod): 10:35am – 10:47am

Lighting set up duration: 10:35am – 10:47am

Duration: 10:47am -11:02am.

Shot: Scene 2, G.

Actor/s: Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: 11:02am – 11:10am

Duration: 11:10am – 11:25am

*15 MINUTE BREAK*

Shot: Scene 3, A.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Slider) : 11:40am – 12:00pm.

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 12:00pm – 12:15pm.

Shot: Scene 5, C.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: 12:15pm – 12:27pm

Duration: 12:27pm – 12:42pm

Shot: Scene 3, I.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (shoulder rig): Set up on 30/11/16.

Lighting set up duration: 12:42pm -12:50pm

Duration: 12:50pm – 01:00pm.

* 60 MINUTE LUNCH BREAK*

Shot: Scene 3, C.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 02:00pm – 02:10pm

Shot: Scene 3, D.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 02:10pm – 02:20pm

Shot: Scene 3, E.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 02:20pm – 02:30pm

Shot: Scene 3, F.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 02:30pm – 02:40pm

Shot: Scene 3, G.

Actor/s: Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 02:40pm – 02:50pm.

Shot: Scene 3, H.

Actor/s: Molly.

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 02:50pm – 03:00pm

Shot: Scene 4, B.

Actor/s: Molly.

Set up duration (Tripod) : 03:00pm – 03:10pm

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 03:10pm – 03:25pm

*15 MINUTE BREAK*

Shot: Scene 4, C.

Actor/s: Molly.

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 03:25pm – 03:40pm

Shot: Scene 4, D.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 03:40pm – 03:55pm.

Shot: Scene 5, B.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Lighting set up duration: 03:55pm – 04:02pm

Duration: 04:02pm – 04:12pm.

Finale call: 04:15pm

Pack up: 04:15pm – 05:00pm

This call sheet was every precise on timings but I felt this was needed because our piece is so technically challenging when it comes to lighting and camera due to the fight scenes.

I felt like I knew what my role would be today as it had previously been discussed in a meeting. My team and myself felt like it made more sense for me to step up and be working very closely with the actors and directing them on their actions etc because I had a greater understanding of how to direct them and talk to them effectively where as Logan (Director) admitted he didn't feel very comfortable talking to actors. I was more than happy to do this as I felt like I would be good at this as I had really enjoyed the directing actors workshops we had had leading up to this. Also Molly and Gabby our Actors were both lovely people anyway who were on the acting course and had lots of experience therefore took direction really well. Also having seen them in auditions and rehearsals I already knew where both their strengths and weaknesses were and therefore knew what bits needed to be worked on.

I began this morning by getting the girls into their costumes and makeup which Chloe helped me with. The costumes looked good and the makeup really added to the facial expressions on camera which was what we were hoping for. I also had to make sure they were both comfortable in their costumes. I then let them have enough time to warm up before we began filming. We were unfortunately running behind this morning due to a few technical difficulties with the camera and also a few members showed up late as well which wasn't helpful. I just spent the extra time I had with the actors helping them run through the whole routine/piece. I had also made changes to the action as well since we last saw them because of how the set turned out and also due to the camera teams change in shot list. I ran them through these changes which they took on board very well and then they rehearsed them so before we began filming the actors were up to speed on the full routine and what was expected of them. I then with me had a copy of the Call sheet, Shoot schedule, shot list and Script so I was able to answer any of the questions they had about where the camera would be etc at certain points.

I found that I developed a really effective flow through out the first day of shooting which was that I would brief the actors on everything they had to do on each scene and let them know what there starting point was in each shot and where the end point would be. I would then allow them a run through if they felt like they need it or if I felt like they needed it. Then we would always do at least two or three takes of each shot and inbetween each take I would make sure they had everything they needed such as water and refreshments. I then would give them feedback on their previous take starting with the positives first then giving them some constructive pointers on ways they could improve it if it was needed. I felt like me and the actors had really good working chemistry because we were all having so much fun but also getting the job done well. I also felt like because I formed such a good relationship with them both I was able to get more from them and their acting because they were in a happier environment. They were such good people to work with and I will be very happy to work with them in the future.

What I also found out on set was that myself and Logan's roles seemed to change slightly. Because I was directing the actors this meant I was also in constant communication with the camera team and sound team to explain to them what the movement was of each shot and where my actors would be exactly so that they didn't accidentally get in the way at all and could set themselves up appropriately. Also the camera team and sound team were asking me to get the actors to stand in their relevant places as well so they could focus etc which meant that I ended up very involved in the technical side too. This left me taking the Directors role a lot of the time on set which worked for me and Logan as he was much more comfortable just watching what was going on and speaking up when he felt a change was needed or a decision had to be made but apart from this I was Directing in more of an active way. This has made me really consider Directing as my future pathway because I loved these shoot days and I was able to fulfil the job role of Assistant Direct and go above and beyond this when it was needed.

This shoot day went very well however due to our late start and the camera team  having a few technical difficulties through out the day we ended 2 hours later than expected. Luckily I kept the actors happy enough that they really didn't mind this so we were able to get everything we wanted to shoot today done. Once we had ended the shooting for this day I dismissed our actors and went on to backing up all the files from today onto my hard rive as well as a few other people so that we had it in at least 3 places. We then tidied up and got ourselves as prepared as we could be with the lighting set up etc for the following day.

Shoot Day Two

Again before I came in for the second day of shooting I made sure I was prepared by reading over the call sheet for today as well as the Schedule again. Here is the call sheet for the second day of shooting:

Team Members

Executive Producer: Rosie Gunn.

Producer: Katherine Whetton / Runner

Director: Logan Gourlay.

Assistant Producer: Nicole Harman – Smith / Boom Operator

Assistant Director: Billie Williams

DOP: Ethan Salley

Maisie Mok: Camera Operator (Camera A)

Sugini Nageswaran: Camera Assistance (Camera B)

Jay Bonner: Production Designer

Oliver Burns: Gaffer

Umor Hussian: Gaffer Assistant

Adeleke Adewale: Sound Recordist

Chloe Debonaire: Storyboard / Grip.

Location

G12,

The University of The Creative Arts,

Falkner Road,

Farnham,

GU9 7DS.

Unit Call: 8:50am

On location: 9:00am

Set up duration (Dolly): 9:00am – 9:30am

Lighting set up duration: 9:00am – 9:30am

Shot: Sceen 1, A.

Actor/s: Molly.

Duration: 09:30 – 09:40am

Shot: Scene 1, E.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Dolly): 9:40am – 09:45am

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 09:45am  - 10:00am

Shot: Scene 1, F.

Actor/s: Gabby.

Set up duration (Dolly): 10:00am – 10:05am

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 10:05am – 10:20am

Shot: Scene 2, C.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up Duration (Dolly): 10:20am – 10:25am

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 10:25am -11:40am.

*15 MINUTE BREAK*

Shot: Scene 1, C.

Actor/s: Molly.

Set up Duration (Tripod): 11:55am – 12:00pm

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 12:00pm – 12:10pm

Shot: Scene 1, D.

Actor/s: Gabby.

Set up duration (Tripod) : 12:10pm – 12:15pm.

Lighting set up duration: 12:10pm – 12:15pm (Spotlight)

Duration: 12:15pm – 12:25pm.

Shot: Scene 2, A.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Tripod): 12:25pm – 12:30pm.

Lighting set up duration: 12:25pm – 12:30pm (Turn off Spotlight).

Duration: 12:30pm – 12:45pm

Shot: Scene 2, B.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Tripod): 12:45pm – 12:50pm

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 12:50pm – 01:05pm.

* 60 MINUTE LUNCH BREAK*

Shot: Scene 5, A.

Actor/s: Molly.

Set up duration (Tripod): 02:05pm – 02:10pm

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 02:10pm – 02:20pm

Shot: Scene 5, F.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Tripod): 02:20pm – 02:25pm

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 02:25pm – 02:35pm

Shot: Scene 2, D.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Tripod):  02:35pm – 02:40pm

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 02:40pm – 02:50pm

Shot: Scene 3, F.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Tripod):  02:50pm – 02:55pm

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 02:55pm – 03:05pm

*15 MINUTE BREAK*

Shot: Scene 5, D.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Shoulder Rig):  03:20pm – 03:25pm

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 03:25pm – 03:40pm

Shot: Scene 1, B.

Actor/s: Molly

Set up duration (Shoulder Rig):  03:40pm – 03:45pm

Lighting set up duration: N/A

Duration: 03:45pm – 04:00pm

Shot: Scene 6, B.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Shoulder Rig):  04:00pm – 04:10pm

Lighting set up duration: 04:00pm – 04:10pm

Duration: 04:10pm – 04:40pm

Shot: Scene 6, C.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Shoulder Rig):  04:40pm – 04:50pm

Lighting set up duration: 04:40pm – 04:50pm

Duration: 04:50pm – 05:20pm

Shot: Scene 3, A.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Slider):  05:20pm – 05:30pm

Lighting set up duration: 05:30pm – 05:40pm

Duration: 05:40pm – 05:50pm

Shot: Scene 3, I.

Actor/s: Molly & Gabby.

Set up duration (Slider):  05:50pm – 06:00pm

Lighting set up duration: 05:50pm – 06:00pm

Duration: 06:00pm – 06:10pm

Shot: B ROLE SHOOTS.

Actor/s: N/A

Set up duration (Tripod):  06:00pm – 06:10pm

Lighting set up duration: 06:00pm – 06:10pm

Duration: 06:10pm – 06:20pm

Shot: B ROLE SHOOTS.

Actor/s: N/A

Set up duration (Tripod):  06:20pm – 06:30pm

Lighting set up duration: 06:20pm – 06:30pm

Duration: 06:30pm – 06:40pm

Shot: B ROLE SHOOTS.

Actor/s: N/A

Set up duration (Tripod):  06:40pm – 06:50pm

Lighting set up duration: 06:40pm – 06:50pm

Duration: 06:50pm – 07:00pm

Final Call : 07:00pm

Clean up : 07:00pm – 08:00pm

* ALL EQUIPMENT MUST BE PACKED AWAY, READY TO GO BACK FIRST THING MONDAY. THE ROOM MUST BE IMMACULATE. KEYS TO BE RETURNED TO EQUIPMENT HIRE ON MONDAY MORNING. *

  

Katherine allowed longer for set ups on this second day because of how long some people had delayed us on the day before this. The camera team were partly responsible because they had a lot of issues with the equipment and technical difficulties which weren't all there fault but I felt like they needed to be more prepared for these. Also to help prepare them more I had a chat with them after the first day of shooting and asked them to read over their shot list and shoot schedule before they come in the next day to speed up the set up process between shots and I also suggested they set up all the equipment at the start of the day so that they can change it much easier and quicker during the day. This was all based on my observations I made of them on shoot day 1. They took all this on board and when they came in earlier on shoot day two and got themselves ready very quickly I knew that they had prepared themselves much more and were much more ready for today.

Everyone got ready a lot quicker for shooting today which was because all the problems we had yesterday were resolved before today so we could get straight on. Also my actresses were much more prepared for today in terms of knowing the routine a lot more because of how much of it they had done yesterday. Because today was mainly natural lighting set ups it meant a lot for he shots we were doing were all from the beginning and the ending of the piece. I briefed them of this and also again I had all my call sheets, shoot schedules, shot lists etc so I was able to answer all their questions again.

Today we were working very much in the same wok flow as yesterday which meant me mainly focusing on the actors and directing them and also fulfilling their needs. I also again was keeping an eye on the technical aspects as well but the camera team were functioning so well today that they sorted themselves out most the time. I also felt like Logan stepped up a bit more today in terms of directing actively which I think was based on him taking the time to see how the set worked then knowing where he was needed and when. I still felt I had become much more of a co-director with him over this process rather than just assistant Director though as I had put in so much time and hard work. People stepping up today meant I had much more time to just make the actors my focus which meant I had a lot of time to assess their performance and find ways of helping them improve it and get more into character. I feel that today they were getting tired which was fine and just meant I had to find ways to keep them in high spirits and energise them with much more frequent breaks and rests. Again though we had lots of fun together whilst also getting the job done well! Their was also a lot of close ups filmed today so I kept topping them up with makeup and also making them aware of how important certain facial expressions were to us.

The last day of shooting actually ran so smoothly due to us all learning what went wrong yesterday and fixing this that we needed up by lunch being at least 2 and half hours in front of schedule which was good because we weren't rushing yet we knew we could finish earlier therefore giving us more time to back up the rushes and clean and tidy the studio. Also the actors were getting tired so I knew they would be a lot happier being able to leave a bit earlier which we did. I am even happier with how today went and in general I am so proud of the group and of myself through out this shoot. I am also really going to miss working with them and especially my actors! This whole process and helped me really gain an understanding of how important everyones roles are to creating a successful piece. It also has shown me how much hard work directing can be but also how rewarding it is and this has led me to realise Directing is really what I want to focus on in my future.

OUR TEAM!!!