Monday, 8 February 2010

Filming - Day 2

What we did:
  • Firstly, we began filming at some flats in Haywards Heath, the reason we decided this place would be acceptable was strictly based on the working class image it contained, as well being able to film with ease.
  • We tried filming shots of the actor walking into the premises from the gates, all the way into the car park, or we'd start half way from the car park and shoot to the top of the car park.
  • We also tried starting at some steps outside the building and walking towards the door, to give the idea that the location was home for him.
  • The second location we filmed at was the park. We shot several takes of the actor sitting alone on the benches, and we shot from a distance, as well as up close.
Problems:
  • The tripod caused a lot of wonky shots which troubled the quality of the filming, as well as always having to re-adjust the tripod to make sure it was straight as possible.
  • We forgot to the bring the storyboard which relied on us remembering from memory, instead of using it as a guide during filming. This made it difficult to decide what shots to do as we could only rely on what we thought would be good.
Props:
  • Two hoodies were bought along on set to set the two shoots apart, so the time difference was obvious.
  • New trainers were bought which didn't look worn out or old so we decided to rub as much mud on them as possible so that they looked like Jimmy had had them for ages.

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Filming - Day 1


  • The original plan was to try and film many different takes on the 3 shots we wanted to focus on.
  • However, the 2 1/2 hours of filming time we had for the afternoon was planned properly, leading to the first hour working out the equipment along with other hectic situations.

  • We ended up shooting the kitchen sequence for the next hour, placing the camera from both sides of the room.
  • was important to keep the continuity in order hence why we had to focus on the items being taken out of the drawers and being placed on the counter.
  • The lighting differentiated when the camera was set inside the kitchen and we preferred it inside, however once the camera was positioned outside the room, we preferred the look of the shot as a whole.

  • We gave the actor a Nike jacket for the working class effect, however, I felt it wasn't enough so hopefully when we continue shooting, the shoes we bought for the actor will give enough and possibly change the jacket into a different piece of clothing such as a hoody.
  • A lot of props were bought for the kitchen such as food and facilities to place on the counter and drawers to create a realistic environment.

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Search for locations 2



The first picture of the classroom could be used for the shot where Jimmy walks into his class, looks right and left to find a seat, if we can find a classroom filled with students, then we can definitely capture the atmosphere which will make it a lot more realistic. The second picture of a corner in the reading area has a mundane, yet sophisticated look which would go hand in hand with the shot of Jimmy's flashback with himself and the psychiatrist. Lastly, the still of the park could be used for the first shot of Jimmy revealing his bruise, as well as the selection of long takes of him alone, walking around in the park, emphasizing on his exclusion.

Synopsis


  • The film is about a boy called Jimmy, who is 15. Juggling his troubles of home and school life, this film represents the minority of teenagers who feel excluded by society and how they deal with this.

  • Jimmy lives alone with his Mum. When he was 13 his Dad got sent to prison for the possession of cocaine. This has disrupted Jimmy's school and home life as his Mum is very depressed and he gets bullied at school. He doesn't have any friends and spends the majority of his time alone.

  • At school, there is a girl that he likes. He spends endless lessons staring at her until she catches his eye - in a bad way.

  • In his free time he goes to the park and watches the world go by. This makes him seem like a loner and even more of a reason for people to make fun of him.

  • However, he does confide in someone. A little toy doll, which he has named after his crush. He says that this doll is his friend and he carries it around with him everywhere. This reveals that he has a psychological problem. As this is introduced, you get an insight into his previous experiences of being with a psychiatrist. His Mum forced him to go after his behaviour became slightly more lonesome.
  • The ending takes the audience back to where the beginning set off, which gradually reveals the story, setting a circular narrative.



I think this would be a good location to film, the area is very excluded . Though it is quite a simple location it could show a lot
of jimmys feelings giving the audiece an understanding of how
lonely he is. I think that this could be used well as a shot showin jimmy walking home from school the area is very private therefore it would be easy to shoot him.

Monday, 1 February 2010

Plan for the first day of filming.

For Wednesday, we plan to shoot:

  • the kitchen sequence - props such as tea towels, food, plants and so on will be included. We will have to take the size of the kitchen into consideration and this will lead us to be more concise on which side of the room we will be placing the camera and what angles will work best.
  • The walking shots of him near his 'house' - we won't be entering any premises, just the idea that Jimmy is on the street of his home should be enough to convey the message that he is waking home, especially as this includes his 'Mum' phoning him, along with what will be said in the monologue.
  • Jimmy walking into college - this should be filmed with ease as College tends to be a hasty environment and as not many people stay behind on a Wednesday afternoon. No specifics on who should walk past Jimmy and giggle, any of us could do it if no one is available.