During filming I used soft boxes as the primary light source. I chose to use soft boxes as they conventional to the documentary genre. Soft boxes do not drastically change the look of the footage, and therefore are a common choice for documentaries. This is because documentaries are not supposed to be cinematic fiction, but rather an educational discussion of information. Two soft boxes were used; one key light and one back light. The key light helped to make sure the subject was distinctly visible on camera, and the back light was used to prevent a large shadow being cast on the set, keeping the entire shot well lit.
When filming b-roll, I relied on the sun as the primary light source. I chose not to manipulate the footage by using artificial light sources as I wanted to maintain the natural look I was intending to capture.
Frame Rate & Shutter Speed
When filming both the interviews and the b-roll, the industry standard frame rate and shutter speed were used - 24fps & 1/48ss. Typically, shutter speed is double that of the frame rate as it reduces the risk of motion blur and produces a high image quality. Therefore, I decided to follow this convention for my short film.
Composition
When filming both the interviews and the b-roll, I decided to follow the rule of thirds when lining up my shots. I applied the rule by using the 3x3 grid on the camera screen and by positioning the subject to be sat in the centre third for the straight angle, and on the line between the left third and the centre third for the side angle. The horizontal lines typically align with the eyes of the subject; this helps to correctly frame the subject and make the final product look more professional.
Comparing Rushes to Storyboard & Influences
For the interviews I used a two camera set-up and soft boxes as a light source to make it conventional to the documentary genre. Documentaries typically use multiple angles to keep the film varied and interesting to watch. Moreover, the soft boxes are conventional as the diffused light gives a more natural look to the footage. The soft box lighting also mimics the lighting used in the existing products that have influenced my work. In addition, the camera setting used were also conventional to the genre. Industry standard frame rate is 24fps with the shutter speed typically being double that of the frame rate, therefore, I used a shutter speed of 1/48. The aperture was set to f/8 as I felt that this gave the footage a depth of field that didn't leave the background too blurry, but left it slightly out of focus in comparison to the subject in order to highlight the interviewee as the focal point of the shot.
Harry's Interview
In the storyboard, I planned for the shot to be a medium close-up, however, I feel that the shot came out closer to a medium shot than a medium close-up. Although the final shot came out different from the planned shot, I feel like it ultimately fit the conventions of the genre better as it better mimicked the style of the existing products. Furthermore, continuing to mimic the style of the existing products, I applied the rule of thirds when aligning the cameras. This helped to make the film fit the conventions of the genre and look more professional.
Harry Interview - Side Angle
Storyboard - Harry Interview - Side Angle
Shot Duration: 25-30 Seconds
Shot Type: Medium Close-Up Location & Time of Day: Studio/Classroom - Day Description: A side angle shot of Interviewee 2 (Harry) discussing representation in film and tv. Dialogue: Interviewee 2 discussing representation in film and tv. Sound/Music: n/a Editing Technique: Straight Cut VFX & SFX: n/a
Influence - Interview - Side Angle
Ovie's Interview
In the storyboard, I planned for the shot to be a medium shot, however, I feel like the shot came out closer to a medium close-up rather than a medium shot. Although it was not the original intention, I feel like this better fits the genre as it mimics the shots seen in the existing products that have influenced my work. Furthermore, similarly to Harry's interview, I also used the rule of thirds when positioning the camera angles for Ovie's interview. I did this as the rule of thirds is an industry standard practice for making the shot composition look professional.
Ovie Interview - Straight Angle
Storyboard - Ovie Interview - Straight Angle
Shot Duration: 30-45 Seconds Shot Type: Medium Shot Location & Time of Day: Studio/Classroom - Day Description: A straight on shot of Interviewee 1 continuing to discuss representation in film and tv. Dialogue: Continuation of discussion about representation in film and tv. Sound/Music: n/a Editing Technique: Straight Cut VFX & SFX: Name Card - Presenting the Interviewee's name & occupation.
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