This week, we went through our TVC after submissions to see what feedback we can give ourselves and our classmates to actually improve ourselves if we were to be approached by random organisation that struggles to get publicity.
I think that I could improve on the location and the costume of my actor. Again I believe that this is due to the location problems I went through that made me have to change my whole concept idea. Overall I'm satisfied with my finished product even though I hated it during the start.
As you can see from this screenshot, I wished that I had more objects to work with and also a better location.
And for this two shots, my feedback for myself is that I wished actor was in costume. This would give it a stronger feel.
This week, I filmed my TVC for Habitat for Humanity. My crew consisted of only Teneill as the 1st AD, Sound, Grip and Gaff. I used the Black Magic Cinema camera to film this and mostly used the 22mm lens.
Due to problems getting a location, I've changed up on my idea completely and did a rough AV script where the TVC mainly focuses on the Habitat for Humanity ReStore now.
As you can see from the AV Script, my approach to this was like a military boot camp style where a "Sergeant" is talking to his "Privates" (inanimate objects) about coming in broken and being fixed and it's time for them to go to war(meaning to go out there and serve their purpose as a house object for those who need it).
Rolls and Calling of Roles on Set
It is important that everyone knows what they are doing while they're on a film set. It is also important that everyone knows what to call correctly and what the call means while on a film set. This is to ensure that everyone is on the same page while going onto shooting mode.
Director
Directors are responsible for creatively translating the film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen. They are ultimately responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure.
First AD (First Assistant Director)
First ADs' main duties are assisting the Director, co-ordinating all production activity, and supervising the cast and crew. They are also in charge of a department of other Assistant Directors and Runners. Overall, they provide the key link between the Director, cast and crew, whilst also liaising with the production office, and providing regular progress reports about the shoot.
Camera Operator
Camera Operator (Cam Op for short) carries out the Director of Photography’s (DoP) and Director’s instructions for shot composition and development. They are usually the first people to use the camera's eyepiece to assess how all the elements of performance, art direction, lighting, composition and camera movement come together to create the cinematic experience. Usually in a small crew, the DoP and Cam Op are usually the same person.
After the blocking of the scenes have been finished and the lighting on set is in the correct place, the first assistant director (1st AD) talks with the HODs (Head of Departments) to ensure everyone is ready to role.
1st AD : "Final checks".
This is where the make up and hair crew can apply final touches.
1st AD : "Quiet on set" (if on location "Lock it down").
Wait for silence on set.
1st AD : "Roll sound".
The sound operator rolls the sound. Sound : "Sound speed". 1st AD : "Roll camera".
The camera operator or 1st AC presses record on the camera. Camera : "Camera rolling".
The 2nd AC or clapper person will call the shot and clap the slate on screen. If the clap is not clean, the camera operator may call for "2nd Sticks".
Camera : "Camera Set". Director : "Action".
After the shot has finished the director yells "Cut!". The 1st AD will confer with the director as to whether another take is needed. If so...
1st AD : "Going again. Back to number ones".
If the director is happy to move to the next shots... 1st AD : "Moving on. Next set up".
Note: Different calls may be used depending on the person itself as everyone has their own style of calling out the calls when going into shooting mode.
While working as a 1st AD on Aaron's set, I've learned a lot and also learned how much responsibility a 1st AD has. Because it was a small set with a small crew and a few cast, I've learnt that the calls isn't as intense as a big film set. As a 1st AD, I could just simply just ask "Crew ready?" rather than "Final Checks" and "Quiet on Set".
This week, we learned how to create a script breakdown, strip board, shooting schedule, call sheet, hazard form and a budget form. This is to prepare us when we actually shoot our TVC.
We learnt how to use the Lowel Lights this week as we are expected to help with on the second years end of year film shoots as mainly grip and gaffers. Other than that we learned what Blocking is in filming term.
Fren-L
Pronounced as Fer-Nel, is a tungsten light with a wattage of 650w.
It has a flood and spot setting like the redhead lights. The Fren-L has a protective screen. This is ensure that when lens breakage happens, it will restrain all of the glass.
For more information please look at the link provided below
This light can act as a soft key or fill light. This light has a clip on gel attachment which defuses the light and makes it softer, which is useful if it is being used for lighting a subjects face and strong shadows are not wanted.
Blocking
It is important to block scene before shooting them. Blocking scenes allows the director to express how they want the actors to move within the scene, and gives the camera operator a chance to experiment with the camera movement/angles before going into shooting mode. In short, blocking is like a basic run through of what will be happening when in shooting mode.
Every film shoot is divided into five parts:
1. Block – determining where the actors will be on the set and the first camera position
2. Light – time for the DOP to light the set and position the camera for the first shot
3. Rehearse – camera rehearsal of the first set-up with the actors and crew
4. Adjustments – making lighting and other adjustments
5. Shoot – shooting the first scene (then repeat the process)
Blocking can be like a choreography of a dance. All elements on the set (actors, extras, vehicles, crew, equipment) should move in perfect harmony with each other. This makes sure everyone is on the same page and ensures that what happens in the scene flows nicely and keeps everyone safe.
It is useful to have a shot list as this will help the cam op know what they want to achieve and will give you a direction in assuring that things are going to the script.
Some examples of 2nd year shoots that I worked in. (Pictures taken from Daisy as my phone decided to stop working and the storage could not be accessed)
Aaron's set where I worked as First AD. Blocking in progress
AV Scripts What are AV Scripts?
AV stands for Audio-Visual. It is a script usually used to show exactly what you'll see and hear on the video. The script usually includes shot types, dialogue, music, sound effects and sometimes visual effects.
We were taught on roughly how to write an AV Script and were then asked to make one of our owns for our TVC.
A screenshot of my AV script for Habitat for Humanity
- The need to increase publicity and letting people know what they do.
- To promote the ReStore.
- The need for more volunteers in both helping to build/rebuild a home and ReStore workers.
Concept Idea
- My main concept idea for this is to put "fun" into volunteering and helping out.
- By making and composing my own beat from the sounds of a construction site.
- I got this idea from watching this video a long time ago. I thought that if I could do something like this while promoting Habitat for Humanity, I would get a positive feedback from the client.
Location
- My main location for this right now is SIT's construction site by Esk Street.
- Backup location is to ask from Habitat for Humanity itself and could consider asking the Invercargill Council.
