Production: wanting horror/thriller

During production day2, we attempted to achieve a horror scene during the end, something to jumpscare the audience. The plan to have the main character of the scene, the Black queen chess piece, walk towards the camera pointing her wand towards it, essentially breaking the fourth wall. However, rather than just having the actor walk normally towards the camera, I had the vision to have it sped up suddenly and dramatically, kinda like the attic scene in the Grudge. To be able to achieve this, we instructed our actor to walk normally towards the camera, with the wand and the facial expressions. Then, with my editor we will see if we can jerk up the speed in certain parts of the shot to make it seem like she is using some sort of ability to quickly run towards the camera, and give the audience a jump scare. 

A the attic scene in The Grudge

 Production: Day 3

Production day 3 was just a make-up day just incase anyone had any left over scenes. There fore, it was optional for certain groups to start on their editing if they completed their filming. Fortunately, my group only had to revise 1 shot and we were officially done. Therefore, day 3 was very chill since we were exactly on schedule. Regarding the shot we had to revise, it was pretty difficult to achieve because the shot picked up off a previous shot, meaning that the actor had to be at the exact same spot, doing the exact same movement and wear the exact same clothes. My cinematographer and I did extra careful analysis of the previous shot to make sure that everything was identical; so that it is not noticeable to the viewers that we took these scenes on different days. To do this we took a screenshot of the exact position our actor was in during the previous shot, and made sure we got a third perspective to confirm that everything was lining up. We made sure that we lined up the rule of thirds the same way, and got the angle right. After many tries, we achieved the shot and began the editing process of our production. We are finally done with production!!!

A video of the shot I mentioned

 Production Day 2: The Dolly Zoom shot

Production day 2 was more of a success than day 1. This time we were working with a different group of actors and their scenes. Similarly to day 1, we had to revise and re-evaluate a lot of the scenes camera shots, angles and movement to increase meaning to the shot. A good example of this is when my cinematographer and I were debating between a medium low angle static shot and a medium low angle dolly shot. In order to figure out how to do a dolly zoom properly and effectively we had to do some research.

                                                A still screenshot of youtube video

                                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uwp-xksCAc

By watching this video my cinematographer and I were able access how to create the dolly zoom for scene 15. Additionally, we received guidance from a previous Aice Media Studies student who also achieved a dolly zoom on their chess film. After many trials and about 6 takes we achieved a dolly zoom that intensified meaning to that shot. Now that the shot if a dolly shot, viewers are enabled to have a sense for spatial awareness and creates tension between the character and the viewers. It also allowed a smooth and fluid motion, enhancing the viewer's experience. Comparing the Static shot with the Dolly zoom shot quickly helped us come to the conclusion that a dolly zoom shot is more impactful. I am quite proud that we were able to achieve this despite us not having a dolly and it being our first time.

A still photo of Ex-student assisting us with the dolly zoom shot

A still photo of the cinematographer using our sound designer as a test run dummy

A still photo of us reviewing one of the takes of the dolly zoom shot

 Production: Day 2

During Production day 2 we mainly focused on different groups of actors. Unlike day 1, our scenes in a different location, establishing the setting in the made-up world, Chesstopia. Picking this second location included considering lighting, whether the sun was shinning or not, and whether there would frequent movement in the backgrounds. 

A still photo of location 1

A still photo of location 2 

On the other hand, we were confronted with an issue that affected our process. The first few scenes in the shot log were out of order and the stuff we were filming did not match up with what was written on the shot log. For instance, scene 3 in the shot log was written as the Black chessmen advancing towards the white chessmen. However, we ended up filming that for scene 12 and scene 3 ended up showing the two players in the middle of the game. We ended up not using a few scenes that were stated on the shot log(for the main reason that the film would be too long), which caused a huge confusion. After evaluating, I have realized that it was lack of communication between me and my cinematographer that caused a mess up in the shot log. Certain scenes that my cinematographer wrote on the shot log were not matching up with the scenes that I had wrote in the script. Instead of going separate ways on the shot log, we should’ve took the time out of our days to call and discuss how the shot log together. Therefore, there would not be any mix up or confusion later on in production. Now we know what to do differently. Luckily, we were able to regroup quickly and make revisions with the scenes that were no longer good. Other than that, everything went smoothly with timing and getting scenes complete

Production: Call sheet and Communication

 Production: Call sheet and Communication

Throughout production day 1 we all as a group realized that communication is extremely important. There was a lot of misunderstandings during pre-production because of specific things that were not addressed. For instance, on the call sheet, a lot props were not specified down to who is bringing what. We learned that it is important to assign a prop to someone to bring and clearly state it on the call sheet for everyone to see; that way no one will assume that a prop will be present and feel like it is not their responsibility. 

Moreover, as the director I had to revise the call sheet because it was not up to part. I have came to realization that it is more effective to make multiple call sheets for all production days rather than only one call sheet, which was a mistake on my behalf. As soon as we got feedback from our producer and received the green light, I changed the single call sheet into three for each day, stating all the specifics that were not previously stated like who actors will be present, what they will be wearing, what props are needed and who is bringing what. 

Additionally, in the “special note” section, I stated each actor needed for that day and their first period teacher for contact just incase anyone were to not be present. This increases communication because it is good to be aware of the exact teacher they would have if they were not filming. Fortunately, we did not have any instance where we had to check in with the teacher as communication via phone number and social media was successful. I was able to contact all my actors the dates they will be present, what they need to wear, and what to expect on that day of filming. I also sent out a reminder the night before of what to wear and what time and room number filming will be held. Because I took the extra step to contacting all my actors personally, there was no mix up or confusion and the filming process was pretty smooth. I also alerting the actors if they will be needed for day 2 or 3 so that they can prepare beforehand. 

A screenshot of my revised call sheet

Production: Day 1

 Production: Day 1 The start of our film 

Today marks day 1 for filming our chess films and there are some things I would like to address in this blog post.

Our mistakes. 

As a director I have learned to quickly own up to mistakes that my crew and I have done during day 1 of filming so that we can do better for day 2 and 3. The phrase, “ Revise, Regroup, and re-evaluate” was the main idea for today. Thinking this way allowed us to actively review our methods and footage, adjust anything that needs to be adjust, and then re-assess our approach. For instance, my cinematographer and I had to revise our shot log, specifically the camera shot, angle, and movement. We ended up changing the camera shots and angles for a lot of scenes after taking a few test runs of the original and coming to the conclusion that we need to switch our strategy for a better more meaningful shot. Fortunately, we had assistance from our producer and we were able to reassemble our ideas, and set a new meaning for the shot. 

A still photo of our producer assisting us with a different angle

A still of my cinematographer and I revising the camera shot and angle for scene 2

On the other hand, everything went as plan. During our pre-production phase I have created an agenda so that we are on track with all the scenes that we must shot per filming day, therefore we were on track, completed our day 1 scenes right on the dot before returning to class. 

Pre-Production: Finalizing my Part

 Pre-Prodcution: Finalizing my part

During this process I was able to organize all the documents from my crew and configure a production portfolio to present to the producer. There were some challenges presented to us like bad communication, for instance, I was not made aware that a document was competed until the next morning, making me delay in completing the entire portfolio. Fortunately everything was put back in order as soon as I received the later documents. During our talking session with our producer we were made aware of certain things we need to revise, like the call sheet for example, due to it not being completed to the full extent. Overall we received the green-light and was able to begin our film. At the end of the day I had to revise the call sheets and discuss with my cinematographer to have her create a more in depth version of the shot log 

Pre-Production: My Piece of the pie

 Day 3: My Piece of the Pie

In this blog, I will be discussing everything I am doing as my role as the director, and how it is an important piece of the pie that is our chess film. 

Currently I need to work on the genre statement, script, call sheet, and casting report before November 11th, which is the day I construct all the documents onto one singular document. However, I plan on focusing on the genre statement, script, and call sheet. 

Genre Statement:

Writing the Genre Statement was fairly simple as my group mates and I have been discussing the genre and why it is best for our idea for a few days now. I recently rewatched Scream (1996) and used that as an example to justify why we decided to do a thriller/slasher. Moreover, I analyzed a few famous clips to speak about the specific generic elements of the film.

A screenshot of me working on my genre statement while analyzing a clip from 'Scream' 

Script:

Regarding our script, I decided that is a job better done when all of us are participating, rather than just me constructing it. Therefore, I will dedicate next class time, which is day 4, to completely construct the script . 

Call Sheet: 

While some parts of the Call sheet I can complete on my own, I will also like to actively get the opinions of my groups mates before coming to a final decision on what should be on the call sheet, which I will also decided to do on day 4.

Pre-Production: Preparations

 Day 2: Preparations

It is officially the first day of preparations for the Chess Film. Today me and my group decided on doing a thriller/slasher genre after doing some research. We know that we need to be able to develop a sense of suspense and gloom which everyone has a part in achieving. For instance, the cinematographer has to figure their choice of lighting to make it actually seem like a thriller, manipulate the camera to certain angles like extreme close ups to make the audiences feel engaged, and use shallow depth-of-field to focus the audiences attention. The editor will figure out how to transition through cuts to give off an effect. Sound designer has the ability to choose sounds that add on to the feel of a thriller/slasher

Moreover, today is the day that our Teacher teaches us how to properly use the filming equipment and allowed us to go around the school's courtyard to pick our filming spots. While we were outside me and the cinematographer tried some test shots to figure out how we will set the camera for certain shots, using our editor and sound designer as place holders. 

Example of our test shots

Furthermore, we continued to brainstorm ideas for our script, our editor, who has plenty of prior knowledge on chess, was assisting in creating scenes so that it can realistic to the actual game. Currently outside of school, we are checking in on each other using our group chat, just to address certain things and encourage each other! I've also created a shared note, with a quick run on what we should be completing in our pre-production process, since it is my job to ensure that everyone is on task and on time.

                                            

       A screenshot of our group chat, encouraging each other

                     

                               A screenshot of the shared notes, including our pre-production agenda

Pre- Production: Assessing the task at hand

 Day 1: Assessing the task at hand

It is time for me and my fellow classmates to being our journey in creating and filming the Chess Film. In class, we were assigned into the groups that we will be working with to produce the Chess Film. After situating, we created a group chat to make sure we are all in contact and working on this outside of school. I feel fairly confident with the group members I was assigned, which we did get the chance to figure out who will be playing what role. At first, I choose to be the Cinematographer, however, my classmate protested against my choice, encouraging me to be the director instead, due to my leadership skills. I couldn't ignore the idea, so I agreed to switch my role with her and so far I believe I made the right decision. Additionally, my group members and I got together to brainstorm a few solid ideas for our film, quickly landing on one that I am eager to create. We are debating between doing a thriller or comedy genre for our film. Finally, I did slight preparations for pre-productions for our group. For instance, I created a shared document which holds all the information we should know and any reminders for future production. 

Each group member can use this document as reference whenever they are completing their portions of the portfolio.