Evaluation of prototype parts No. 1- The Space

The following is an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of my tests/preshoots so far, with particular focus on the footage I'm shooting myself. This is all aimed at creating a better final product during my intensive shooting and editing process next week. I'm hiring equipment out for a ten day stretch where I'll be able to do several further tests and shoots, attempting to improve the lighting and set, whilst at the same time using the editing suite to put the whole thing together.

Comments from Rod made me reconsider my choice of background.

 For the tests my background was deliberately quite cluttered, the intention was that as time-shifts occured elements in the background might change, the shelves could be emptied or fresh writing could appear on the white board. The problem was that glare on the board prevents the audience seeing it properly, and the disorganisation in the frame didn't actually produces anything attractive to look at or give the impression of control to start with.

This side on shot of the same space was originally intended to establish the space. On reflection the DVD display behind me is much preferable as a background, both due to the regular structure of the background and the regular colours. The DVD display is chromatically organized so it's primarily visually attractive. As the film progresses the disorganisation will be greater and greater. I'm going to have to strike a balance between a tight close frame that ends at either side of those displays without showing anything beyond, and a display that places my face directly in the centre of the frame.

 

This shows the structure I'm trying to demonstrate in the frame that I'm now planning to replicate from the start. It's also an illustration of the unpredictable light in the space. I'll need to shoot the sections quickly in order to ensure the changing light only works as a part of the time-transitions and not as a marker of how long it take.

 This shot again illustrated the actual space. I'm not using this anymore, since the simple reverse shot can create the illusion of space better, and positions the audiences both as protagonist and screen.

 This was the initial reverse shot. Strong light in one corner of the frame overpowers the image, and there's also an issue with the focus that needs to be remedied.

 This was me within frame. I'm happy with the way the various cuts work and evaluating my performance and how it cuts with the rest of my material has allowed me to change my script and hit the beats I really needed to. Again, on of the struggles is setting up the frame so my face is central to start and immobile throughout shooting. The chair position and camera position was marked by tape at the time, I'll replicate that or leave the camera in place over the shoot in order to be able to shoot over several days.