Embedded Files
Shot Scale
Throughout our horror piece we used a wide variety of shots to help draw the audience in and to aid the fluidity of the project.
For example, in the opening of the film we used one long shot but enabled the actress to change it into a close up though movement. Through this shot the audience are introduced to our 2nd main character, where they begin to ask questions – ultimately, they become engaged into the action.
A shot type that was used most frequently was a medium close-up. These were successful in telling the audience some information without giving away too much detail.
We achieved different shot sizes by zooming into the subject and physically coming nearer the subject. These were easy to carry out and had been executed correctly as you can see in the film.
I believe we could have used more conventional shots to help make it clear that the film is a horror as it seems like a thriller or drama based on the visuals we’ve collected. We could have used a few more extreme close ups to show the fear in the main character as well as a Dutch angle at the start to suggest that something was wrong from the beginning of the film.
Angles
We made sure the shoot was positioned evenly by checking on the eye fluid level, and manually adjusting the height of the legs. We also, started most shots as a full body long shot then adjusted the angle to find a style which matched the scene best.
We used several point of view shots throughout the film, in order to help strengthen the connection the audience had with whatever character was speaking. It allowed them to see their facial expression and truly engage with their performance. I think we could have used a low angle during the dance segment where Bella could have been standing above “main character” when she bows, for one very short shot which could have simply aided the horror genre and potentially give the audience a slight stare.
Since we used very simple point of view shots and stuck to the 180 degrees rule I don’t think we faced any major problems besides the face that they were mostly handheld so it may have been difficult for the director to keep the shot stable and evenly positioned a couple of times. However, we overcame this issue by taking several takes of the shame shot so we could cut between each or use the better version of one if an error was present.
Movement
Movement is crucial when filming a dance segment, especially for contemporary dance. Isabelle created a small dance based on previous dances she’s done as well as other techniques she’s learnt. Therefore, we wanted to capture this beautifully.
We took one static shot from behind – to be used as insurance if the tracking shots didn’t come out as expected. We also did several tracking shots starting from the left and starting from the right. We did those tracking shots from the front and behind in order to show many different perspectives.
These stylistic shots were achieved by using a shoulder mount and a handheld rig. The director and DOP both worked hand in hand to create the best shot possible with this equipment and to express both of their visions. The benefits of using this equipment is that your shots become very stabilised and even. If I had been the DOP, I would have done three wide shots from the left, right and front. This is because if the handheld shots didn’t come out very well we would have been able to cut between the different angles. Then I would have done a bird’s eye shot using a jib and track her movement as well as two tracking shots of her from the left and right. With all of this footage I’d be able to create a visually beautiful dance segment.
Composition
Within my own work I always consider composition as its vital when guiding the viewer's eye towards the most important elements of my work. Before the brit school I focused mainly on photography but developed my film work whenever I had the opportunity. From the picture below (in the exposure and aperture section) you can see how I position subjects within the shot. The link below shows more examples.
https://malayarhiann.weebly.com/photography-projects
I think that over the months my film and photography work has improved as I've learnt more about the subject.
Within the shadow dancer we mostly considered the character proxemics and decided on the given effect of them standing in a certain place within the shot. We did focus on the use of colour too, especially darker tones with bright lights. The benefit if this was to make the shot visually appealing.
Spot-lighting played a big role in the development of our film, It was what would have made or broke it. I do think we could have used more coloured lights to help set the mood although, the white lights did have a brilliant effect on the film.
The rule of thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guide lines and their intersection points, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section.
Whenever Isabelle was speaking or performing she was positioned between the four main focal points which drew the audience’s attention to her. This is evident in the photo below:
Furthermore, whenever Isabelle and Saffron were in shot we positioned then at either end of the focal points. Therefore, equal focus and attention we placed onto both character from the audience.
Manual Settings
As the producer, I wasn’t in control what setting were used during the horror film production. I can only look at the film and use my knowledge on manual settings to discuss white balance. Due to this I’m going to evaluate my own work since the start of the year within this sub – topic.
White Balance
Considering we filmed most of our scenes in low-light it was difficult at times to find a setting. Therefore, we filmed in low light as well as shade to see which had a better effect on the scene.
Initially, I wasn’t particularly familiar with the meaning of white balance. I knew that it related to the colour and tones of an image or video but I didn’t know the extent of its impact when considered.
Based on the independent films I’ve made prior to the Brit School or outside of school work; most of my video work has either been a film noir or a documentary. In the case of the film noirs, I simply changed the footage from being in colour to black and white. Also, when I filmed it, it was likely to be set to AUTO. Due to this, the footage would have still looked nice but not as appealing as it could have been if I had considered white balance and colour grading in post.
Furthermore, in the documentary I made I did consider white balance, not too a large degree but generally in a change of scene I’d adjust the white balance – between daylight and shade. However, I applied other setting to the shots such as slight underexposure for stylistic effect. I’d also consider changes in post.
Exposure & Aperture
I’m quite familiar with exposure due to my passion for photography. I generally take slightly underexposed photos (-1) as I liked to reconstruct the darker tones and shadows. I’d also consider aperture when applying depth of field, often I’d focus on the subject and blur the background. I also liked to pull focus in film-work or create effects with light in photography. The images below, describe what I mean:
ISO
Prior to starting at the Brit School, I wasn't aware of what ISO was and the effects of it. However, since being taught it during the manual settings segment of the course I am able to now give a definition of it and suggest ways in which it can be used.
What is ISO?
ISO is the level of sensitivity of your camera to available light.
What are the effects of ISO?
The lower the ISO number, the less sensitive it is to the light, while a higher ISO number increases the sensitivity of your camera. The component within your camera that can change sensitivity is called “image sensor” or simply “sensor”. It is responsible for gathering light and transforming it into an image. With increased sensitivity, your camera sensor can capture images in low-light environments without having to use a flash. But higher sensitivity comes at an expense – it adds grain or “noise” to the pictures.
Evidence of my work, highlighting ISO is the horror lighting task:
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