Filming

We filmed on the 6th December in Hillsely. The first thing we did was decide where we would shoot each shot and had a brief walk through the sequence.

Using our storyboard and our shot list, we sequentially shot each section. We often had several takes of each shot, especially where there was speech or movement of our actors. Generally, we tried to film each shot slightly longer than we estimated our shot be be when edited, so it will allow us to make any changes if required and will give us some flexibility when editing the footage. 

However, we found that when trying to frame the shots, limitations in space(the width of the barn was very thin) and other factors meant that what we had planned to do, wasn't always possible. For example, in the shot where Kira is knelt on the floor and George is stood in the background, we found that either George's head was cut off, or only Kira's head was in the frame. So instead we moved the location of George at that time, which meant we then had to adapt a few other shots, including their short conversation and when he throws the bandages into the bag. 

It is important that the shots are aesthetically pleasing for the audience, because this will help keep them engaged and interested during the sequence. So, we often reviewed the footage we shot, in order to help maintain good shots. Because of my past photography experience, I knew about the rule of thirds, and so when shooting, I tried to use this, as a way to correctly position the shots.

As a way to keep our cast motivated and positive, on what was a cold and rather miserable day, we provided hot drinks and snacks, as well as frequent breaks. 

When additional lighting was required (often on close up shots), we bounced lighting off of a reflector, so that the lighting was soft and no rings of light visible in their eyes.

Overall, I think the shoot was successful. We shot all the footage we needed, in an efficient way.

Here is some of the raw footage from the shoot.