Post-production: Derange Action Scene Draft (Rushes)

*Excludes music. This is a very early and very rough draft which needs improvement in terms of sound and picture quality in the render process.

Production: Call for re-shooting

Since some of my shots have turned out shaky and the continuity between shots doesn't work very well, I've decided to re-shoot some shots, particularly the scene when Michael dies and the scene where we see Michael and Alicia for the first time. Furthermore I need to take some more shots of the landscape since these were the worst for being shaky and thus ineffective. Since I have the time to shoot more shots I will take this opportunity since I need to ensure that I make this film as good as possible.

Such shots include: shot 3, 5, 7 (boom pole shadow in shot), 8 (coat in shot), 9, 14, 17, 20, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49 and the moments when Alicia is screaming.

The weather and lighting will be considerable issue which may affect the continuity of my film however hopefully if I apply a filter it should help to make the scene look as if it was shot during the same day, at the same time.

If I can get the equipment, and the actors are available, I should be able to film this Saturday (24th Jan) during the same time I filmed last weekend, in order to sustain as much continuity as is possible.

Production: Power Supply

It's important for me to mention that when I was working on filming, the farmer who owns the land (filming location) allowed us to use a literal 'green' room providing heating and electricity which was a great benefit for the cast, as well as being incredibly useful as it provided me with an instant charge point for the camera battery. Yet again, when I film a second time I shall be in great need of this power source.

Production: Second Day Shooting

Today only an hour was taken out to re-create the make-up from yesterday and film the third scene from Derange. I added a slight filter as I recorded to make the difference between the third scene and the first and second ever more distinguishable. This also provides more ease during post-production (altering the colour and lighting already helps to create a foreboding atmosphere). I also took a few shots which I could possibly use for a poster.

Production: Call Sheet #2

Call Sheet #2

Production: Filming Day 1 // Behind the Scenes (Video)

Production: Filming Day 1 // Behind the Scenes

Production: First Day Shooting // Rushes

Today was the first of two days of filming which involved the largest group of people: 7. Unfortunately, one member of the group (an extra) couldn't make it due to illness. Furthermore, after an hour or so of filming, two extras had to leave also. I made sure however, that when they were in shot, they began walking in another direction, so as to be hidden by old vehicles. This would then help continuity by implying they walked out of the area before the main 'fight' scene took place.

Sound was another difficulty in how it had to be altered quite often in terms of volume, because the actors' voices rose high enough that I got feedback from the microphone, making sound uncomfortable to the ear. When it comes it editing, I intend to vary the pitch since some shots have a quieter volume than others.

Not all shots were taken as I intended but time was of the essence and it was essential that we completed all of the filming today, before dusk fell. It also became increasingly cold as the day wore on so it was important to be as quick as possible.

However what was successful was the quality of sound in how it picked up the ambience sounds of the countryside which is what I really wanted in a lot of my footage. I took several shots from different angles and repeatedly I used the same one so I can pick the best one in post-production. All in all, it was a great day of shooting.

Below are two clips (rushes) taken from filming today to give you an idea of the sorts of things that should be seen in the film (although these shots won't necessarily be used).

Production: Filming Notice Letter

Filming Notice Letter

Several letters were given to residents closest to the filming location to make them aware of the filming so they wouldn't be taken aback and/or shocked by what they might have heard, or happened to see.

Production: Filming Notice

Filming Notice

Above is the filming notice that was pinned on the gates of the location, to warn the public that a short film was being shot.

Production: Call Sheet #1

Call Sheet #1

Production: Equipment

Production: Make-Up Trial (Michael's wound)

 I used wound wax from a local shop and despite being frustratingly sticky and difficult to apply, it the wax finally came together. Doing this, I will be able to get a rough idea of how Giles' neck (Michael) will appear when 'his throat has been slit'. I won't be using close up shots of the wound so the complexity and realism of it doesn't matter too much.

To get the effect I have I added different eye shadows around the wound, mainly a peach/pink tone to create a 'sore' look. The black, brown and dark green tones act to reflect the dirt which will cover the character's face. I split the 'wound' and added more eye-shadow and pulling the wound apart to look like the skin has been peeled away. Rather than whipping up a mix of fake blood I used red food colouring, just for ease, and in fact it looks great on its own so I think I'll just use that instead.


By applying the make-up the way I have I have learnt what I should be doing next time when I come to shooting the film. Primarily I will aim to make the wound longer. Furthermore I need to ensure that I use more wax so the wound securely sticks to the skin. After 10 minutes of trying out the wax on my face, the bottom part of the wound had torn away; evidently I need to make this my priority.

Production: Update

Production: Catering and Toilets

Access to toilets will be available from midday at The Plough Inn, located a short distance from set location. Food will be available there for those who are interested however it is highly suggested that they bring packed lunch to eat on site, ready for a prompt start to filming. Cast and crew will be informed of this through the call sheet.

Production: Continuity

To ensure that there is continuity in my film, each scene will run several times as different camera angles are used. This will enable me enough footage to choose where I want the camera to focus on and to maintain a constant stream of footage so that the actors' actions aren't affected (cut-off) in any way. I will manage continuity looking to also scrutinize each shot so that the actors' remain in the right places, particularly when shots are re-cut, as well as to spot items in the shot that should not be there.

Production: Logistics

The cast and crew will be informed, via the call sheet, of the location of shooting, within good time. They will also be made aware that transport to the location will have to be arranged by themselves. If certain individuals are unable to arrange their own transport due to unforeseen problems/ difficulties, myself and those with a car and full driving license will be able to collect those who cannot make it (granted both parties happily accept this).