Filming on location

DRAMA STUDIO (ROUND 1)

Our main location for filming so far is the drama studio. We made use of the on site, spotlights for our lighting and also some of the props such as the chairs and table are also school property that we made use of. We decided to opt out of using multiple spotlights.The single spotlight here is particularly important as it creates the lighting effect we are aiming for, as it blocks out the background entirely by making use of only a keylight. This lighting creates a mysterious atmosphere as the viewers are unaware of the whereabouts of the characters, making them look suspicious, or at least making their activities seem shady. In terms of 'mise en scene', we used different kinds of glasses to differentiate between characters: a short glass for the more straight man, but rather a wine glass for the sophisticated and expereinced spy sitting in the middle. We also intended to use colour of ties to further contrast characteristics of the protagonist from her enemies, giving her a red tie while giving the other two black ties, to emphasise her ability to stand out of the crowd due to her high level skill. We chose however not to, because the nature of the camera angles rendered the colours unnoticeable at times and so did not feel very effective.

 

I wonder who threw those cards oh so nonchalantly... It was me, I threw them.

DRAMA STUDIO (ROUND 2)

The second time round we once again went for similar lighting, however this time opting for three lights to better create a more intimidating scene, yet maintain that sense of mystery. This time, we utilised less 'mise en scene' purposely rather than using it for effect, using the lack of it to emphasise the loneliness and desolateness of the hostage's location. Also the placement of the hostage right in the centre of the room with the spotlight placed on him also emphasises his importance and possibly the importance of the information he is holding.

 

 

(Revel in the awesomeness of that shot)

 

KELSEY PARK (COMING SOON)

The park was the perfect location to film the suspicious meeting of the Russian spy. We decided to film in the late afternoon and use natural lighting to ensure that it wasn't too dark but also looked low-key enough to seem sinister. The seemingly secluded location made it the Russian spy appear very mysterious rather than just a by-passer in a park. It also allowed us to make him look very isolated to the point where it suggests he maybe is even hiding. We did this by positioning him in the centre of the shot from a wide high angle. This ensured he was the focal point of the shot but seemed insignificant compared to the rest of the park. The lack of ambient sound in the park scenes also emphasise the lack of life in the environment and his loneliness.