Production Diary – Final Major project

Week 1

Day 1 – 22/03

For my first day of film production, I began my research on the aspects I

wanted to include in my film.
I started by laying out my Weebly site, including relevant titles and
headers for the areas I needed to cover. To begin, I developed a rationale
for the idea I had. I wanted to develop a short thriller centred around a
home invasion; I wrote how I planned on achieving this and structuring
my research around the ideas.
I also developed a mind map which established some of the key ideas I
had for the film. Using Bubbl.Us, I structured this mind map then
uploaded it to Weebly. I then elaborated on some of the ideas and the
challenges I had to produce the project.
I laid out how I planned to record and track my progress. I wanted to
show how I was structuring my research and experimentation.
I also began to establish the equipment I would need for the shoot. I
considered what I needed and whether I would be able to access it, then
included this as a write up along with images.

Day 2 – 25/03

I began the research element of my project by looking at some ideas I

wanted to incorporate. The key being to find existing work which could
inspire my own.
I used YouTube to rewatch clips from some of the movies which inspired
me. Panic Room, Requiem for a Dream, The Purge 1, The Strangers, and
Drive (2011) all had ideas and themes which could be translated to my
movie.
I made a selection of clips and bookmarked them to get my ideas in order.
I then followed this by looking at tutorials for some of the camera
techniques. Channels such as Film Riot have many useful and relevant
tutorials for filmmaking. I bookmarked those which I believed were
relevant and could be achieved with my resources.
I completed my Handout for the brief. I followed this by drafting the
powerpoint I would present during the brief.
I started to write the script for the film. I tried to include elements which
reflected my initial ideas brainstorm, but also left myself open to new
ideas as the script took shape.

Week 2
Day 3 – 29/03

I presented my completed ideas brief, along with giving handouts to the

audience. This brief outlined my ideas and gave me an opportunity to
receive feedback on them.
I completed my script and began to work on the storyboards. Prior to
filming, I wanted to have a solid idea on how I would shoot the film.
I further developed my ideas by rewatching some of the clips that Initially
inspired me. I considered the feedback and questions I had received from
the brief, and looked at some of the ways I could address them.
Overall, today was an opportunity to “lock in” the ideas I had begun to
formulate. I am at a stage where my script has been started and all of my
ideas had been formed.

Day 4 – 01/04

I completed my initial script, with the idea of making revisions where I

saw fit. I imagined that as I completed more research, I may make
changes to elements of the script where I saw fit.
I began the research section of my Weebly by looking at Cinematography
techniques. I looked at examples of the Snorricam Technique, then
searched for tutorials that would let me achieve this without an expensive
rig. I found a tutorial that suited my limited budget, using only minimal
equipment.
I also looked at techniques for capturing footage in low light conditions.
There was one tutorial that stood out to me for showing how to get good
footage in low light.
I also looked at techniques using a Gorillapod. I knew that I wanted to
experiment with mounting a gorillapod to an object, and the tutorial
covers that.
I sent an email out to an artist, whose song I wanted to use in my film. I
was able to get a reply and permission to use the song within a few hours.
Week 3
Day 5 – 03/04

Continuing my research and development, I looked at sound editing and

design. I found 2 tutorials which covered the recording of audio, as well as
sound design. I looked at the tutorials and made notes on the
fundamentals they teach.
I also looked at tutorials relevant to my story. I knew that I needed to
understand how to film a fight scene, as this needed to be achieved for
my film. I found and made notes on a tutorial which covered fight scenes
in a short film.
I also wanted to include practical blood effects for certain scenes detailed
in the script. I looked for tutorials on fake blood and found one which
covered the effect I wanted to achieve.
I also began to look at the character. I was largely inspired by my own
personality, but wanted to take it a step further by including research on
certain aspects I wanted to include.
I also looked at tutorials on wardrobe. I wanted to have a more advanced
understanding of costume design, and knew this could be achieved using
colour and design.
I wrote up the aspects of the tutorials I wanted to recreate, then
uploaded links and notes onto the research tab on Weebly.

Day 6 – 05/04

I began to research some stories and scenes from films I was inspired by.
This included The Strangers, Panic Room, Barry, and Looper. The goal was
to take specific aspects I liked from each film and look at how to apply it
to my own project.
I also made revisions to my script. Looking at other media and the way
their stories are structured, I saw ways I could change and improve my
own.
Having settled on an improved script, and researched the techniques I
wanted to use, I began to write my storyboards.

Day 7 – 08/04
I continued and completed my storyboards, and uploaded the completed
script and storyboards onto Weebly.
I began to look at how to practically apply the techniques I researched. I
wanted there to be a clear understanding of how techniques worked
before I began to apply them in my film. I began by creating the Snorricam
rig I looked at in my research. I was able to successfully create the rig and
film some test footage with the rig. I then uploaded the results onto
Weebly.

Week 4
Day 8 – 10/04

I began to try to apply the research I had made on gorillapod mounting. I

mounted the camera up front on my bike, and looked at how it could be
made stable using the gorillapod’s flexible arms. I knew I needed a stable
rig for the shot I wanted, So I experimented with placement of the mount.
I also looked at the application of blue streak lens flares in my project.
Based on my research on how this is achieved, I acquired a filter which
could be used to get the effect. I got some test footage and shots which
highlighted the effect and its impact on the frame.

Day 9 -12/04

I did some research and experimentation on the application of handheld

footage in my film. I wanted many of the scenes to have the shaky,
handheld feel to them. I set up a cage rig which would let me get this
footage, and recorded some test footage which showed the cage in use
and its effect.

Day 10 – 15/04

I researched some of the props I needed for the film, and added images
and descriptions to the planning tab on Weebly. I looked at the weapons
that would be used in the film, as well as the bike and the flashlight which
would play key roles in the story.
I also began my location research, briefly noting some of the ideas and
requirements I needed for each location.
Day 11 – 16/04

I took the day to focus on the wardrobe of the movie. I wanted all 3 of the
characters to have a distinct look that reflected their roles in the film. The
main character is a bike messenger. So, I looked at clothing that I had
which would inform the audience that this is his role in the movie.
I also looked at clothing which would inform the audience of the role of
the intruders. I wanted one of the intruders to appear more inhuman and
one to appear more humanised.
I settled on 3 distinct looks for the 3 characters, and consolidated the
wardrobe items ready for filming. I uploaded my rationale to Weebly.

Week 5
Day 12 – 20/04

I began to scout locations for the movie. There were certain areas I had
detailed in the script and realized in the storyboards, and I wanted to be
certain that I had these locations available for the shoot.
The first location I scouted was the house, for scene 3. It was clear to me
that the easiest way to do this was to use my own house, so I captured
images and considered how I would use different rooms and spaces
within the building and outside of it. This was also an opportunity to
consider camera angles and lighting which could be used, given the
restrictions of the environment.
The second location I scouted was the bike lane going East-West from my
house. There needed to be an extended sequence where the character
exits the building and rides away, so there needed to be a path they could
follow which would be safe and the appropriate length to ride for a 60-90
second duration, filming in one continuous take. I found by riding this
path myself, the stretch leading from the house to the Ringwood
industrial estate would facilitate this when moving at a measured pace. I
would then need to film wide shots at the final location, so took the
surroundings into consideration.
The third location of interest was the McDonald’s on Alder Road. This
location appealed to me because of the verticality surrounding it – it is
flanked by two steep hills. Because the script calls for a wide shot, I looked
at locations on the exterior of the building which allowed for this. I took
photos with the camera/lens I wanted to use, making it easier to visualise
the angles I needed.
I looked at the fourth location as well, which called for closer angles and
businesses in the background. I found that the Wallisdown local shops fit
this description perfectly, and I documented this on my Weebly.
I also filled out the Location Recce sheet. This serves as a more condensed
version of my location research, clearly outlining the unique locations and
appearance across 2 pages. I could use this as a quick reference when
determining where to film

Week 6
Day 13 – 26/04

With the groundwork laid out for the shooting of the film, I planned the
first shoot date. I decided that because the bulk of the film, and the
majority of unique shots, took place in scene 3, this was where the first
shoot would take place.
Before writing any documentation, I needed to know who would be
present on the day of shooting. I contacted the individuals I wanted for
role of actors – Stanley Molesworth and Alfie Major – and the individual I
wanted for crew – Jay Bulmer. Once I had positive responses confirming
the shoot date and time – 30/04-01/05, 22:00 – 04:00 – I could proceed
with planning documentation.
I began preparation by completing my Risk Assessment. This is a crucial
document, as it outlines the potential risks present during filming. I would
need to ensure that any risk is either mitigated, or addressed in a way
that all cast and crew are aware and can work to avoid it.
The next part was the Call sheet and Script breakdown sheet. Both detail
the equipment, resources, and personnel required for the shoot, and tie it
back to the script. The Call sheet breaks the shots down in detail; this
would be a critical reference point while filming, as all of the shots listed
would need to be made in order to have enough footage to use in the
edit.
I was satisfied that I had all of the information necessary to begin filming
on the chosen date
Day 14 – 30/04 (SHOOT 1)

Before filming, I began by gathering all of the equipment I needed for the
shoot. I had listed the equipment I needed on Weebly, in the form of a
bullet pointed list. I referenced this list and ensured all of the equipment
was present.
I then looked at the set design. I considered anything which might be in
the way during filming, and removed it. Other distracting elements such
as brightly coloured objects needed to be removed. Satisfied with the
location prep, I moved on to preparing the wardrobe for the shoot.
At 22:00, the other Cast and Crew arrived, and we commenced planning
for the shoot. We reviewed the documentation (Call Sheet, Script
breakdown, Script, Storyboard), and outlined the requirements. I made
the decision to shoot in chronological order. This would make it easier to
ensure continuity, and follow the script as it’s laid out.
22:30 - I went over the blocking and camera actions for each scene before
we filmed it. Once we had confidence in the action, we began to film.
We shot the outdoor sequences first, as it was in the script. I decided we
needed 4 takes before I was happy with the result.
22:45 - I then proceeded to the indoor downstairs shots. I took 2 unique
angles and shot the scenes 3 times each.
23:00 - I then shot the bathroom interior shots, 4 takes, 2 angles
23:15 – I shot the fight sequence. I used 4 shots, with around 8 takes
total.
23:45 – I completed the prep (laying down groundsheet, filling blood
bottle) and shot the blood spray sequence
00:00 – I set up the snorricam rig, and proceeded to shoot the snorricam
sequence
00:30 – The camera battery dies. 30min break to allow for charging
01:00 – Shooting downstairs fight sequence
01:30 – Wrap on filming

Overall, I considered the shoot a success at the time. I waited until the
next day to review the footage and determine what I had and what I still
needed
Week 7
Day 15 – 01/05

I reviewed and organised the footage on my computer, labelling it as

appropriate. I determined that I would need to Reshoot the blood scene,
add some more insert shots for some of the sequences, and additional
exterior shots. I would also need to record background audio. The final
goal was to have a complete library of sound and video for the first
scenes, that would enable me to start the editing process. However, I was
aware that as I started to edit the film, I may find that additional footage
needed shooting/reshooting.

Day 16 – 07/05 (SHOOT 2)

I initiated the second shoot. For this shoot date, I was going to focus on
capturing scene 1 and some additional footage for scene 3. I wrote up the
Call sheet, script breakdown and risk assessment the morning before the
shoot. I then listed the equipment I needed, which was similar to that of
shoot 1. I gathered the equipment, set a start time for my cameraperson,
then carried out the shoot as follows:

22:00 – Arrive at first shoot location (Wallisdown streets). Run through

shoot requirements with cameraperson (Jayne).
22:15 – Initiate filming of medium shots
22:30 – Wrap up filming at first shoot location
22:30 – Arrive at second shoot location (house). Go through shot
requirements
22:40 – Film wide shots for scene 3

Overall, for the shots I needed, the shoot was a success. I could then
review the footage I had and add to the library I had.
Week 8
Day 17 – 11/05 (SHOOT 3)

Day 17 was dedicated to shooting scene 2, which is the wide shot at

Mcdonald’s. The morning before the shoot, I put together the
documentation for the shoot. I made sure my cameraperson (Jayne) was
available.

22:00 – Arrive at first shoot location (Mcdonald’s). Set up camera/tripod.

Run through shoot details with cameraperson (Jayne).
22:15 – Practice run/rehearsal
22:20 – Filming wide shots
22:30 – Filming concludes

Even though there were only a small number of shots captured during
this shoot, I was happy with the results following review. One issue was
that the footage was slightly underexposed. But I felt this would be fixable
in the edit.

Day 18 – 14/05

With a decent portion of scenes 1,2, and 3 filmed, I began the editing
process. This started with creating a tab on Weebly. I knew that to
effectively track and document the process, I would need both a Rushes
log and an Edit Decision List. I created these documents, ready to fill out
as I completed the edit.
I also created a simple checklist tracker, the purpose of which was to
make sure every task that made up part of the editing process was
checked off, prior to publishing.
I then created a project on Premiere Pro, and imported all the labelled
footage I had. I began to construct the timeline chronologically, starting
on scene 1. I was aware that I may end up going back and making
changes; for the time being, the focus was to arrange the clips in a
coherent order
Week 9

Day 19. – 16/05 (SHOOT 4)

The goal of shoot 4 was to reshoot the “blood” shot, which I knew needed
reshooting. I also wanted to shoot an insert shot, which I identified the
need for as I was starting the edit. I wrote up the documentation and set
up the location (house) as close to how it was on the previous shoot. I
could use the footage and behind the scenes to get an accurate idea for
how it was.
I began the shoot by prepping the location, then proceeded in the
following timeline

21:30 – Run through shoot requirements with cameraperson

21:45 – Shoot blood scene
22:00 – Shoot insert shot
22:15 – Shoot exterior scenes for scene 4
 Wide house shot
 Bike tracking shot
 Signpost shots

I reviewed this footage, and considered the reshot version of the blood
scene to be a lot more suitable. I was happy to have got the insert shot as
well.
With time left in the day, I imported the footage and continued the edit. I
wanted to be sure that scene 3, the “busiest” of the 4 scenes, could be
edited together in a coherent and stable manner.
I was able to progress the timeline to scene 3, and started the edit.
For what I aimed to be the final shoot, I was to film scene 4 in its entirety.
The benefit of the last shoot was that I only needed myself to film the
scene. I waited until it was dark out, then set up the camera on my bike,
and cycled the distance I needed while filming. I then used the tripod to
capture the connecting shots
I reviewed the footage and was happy with the overall look of the shots.

Day 20 – 17/05
I proceeded with the editing for scenes 1-3. I knew for my timeline that I
would need to have all my footage in order, With appropriate in/out
timing, and with continuity between cuts. This presented a challenge, as
for some scenes I had multiple takes, so it would be a matter of
determining which take was the most appropriate when combined with
the previous and following.
I also needed to consider audio; abrupt cuts between audio sources can
be jarring and damage immersion. Minimising these would be a priority
during the shoot. I would also look at applying effects to the audio such as
noise reduction, fades in and out, and additional audio.

Day 22 – 18/05

I imported the final shots into Premiere Pro. I now had the full library of
shots needed to finish editing the movie.
I added the scene 4 shots and audio into the timeline, sequencing as
needed. I added transitions for the edit, then went back and reviewed the
edit start to finish.I wanted to be sure I had all the shots and edits correct
before moving on to the next stage of editing.

Day 23 – 20/05

I took the day to edit the film’s audio, titles and colour grading. I started
by adding the title and credits at the end of the film, along with the
accompanying music.
I had been documenting the process of editing on Weebly. This was a
priority for me as I needed to be able to go back and check on decisions I
had made.
I then went back over the audio, and adjusted the levels, applying the
normalise tool. This meant that there was consistency in the volume of
the audio present throughout the film. I also took the time to ensure
audio was denoised and did not peak at any point.
Once I was happy with audio, I moved on to colour grading. I first adjusted
the white balance to get consistency in all of the shots. The “look” I was
aiming for was a gritty, muted colour palette, so I adjusted the RGB levels
until I got this. Overall, the footage has a slightly blue hue, which is also
reminiscent of nighttime.
With the post processing completed, I was ready to publish the edit in its
entirety. I published the file as an .mp4 h264 file, in 1920x1080 resolution.
I analysed the final edit in published form, to ensure no issues were
present in the final version.
I then uploaded the file onto youtube, again checking that it was correct
before adding the link to my Weebly page
It was at this point that I considered my Project complete. I took the time
to go back and review all of my work on weebly, to make sure it was
completed and all the appropriate documentation had been uploaded.
Once I was satisfied with how my website looked, and the contents, I was
ready to submit the completed assignment.

Day 24 – 24/05

On the day of the submission deadline, I finished writing my evaluation

and again checked back through my site to make sure everything was in
order. Once I was satisfied, I submitted the assignment.