When recreating the opening scene to the Maltese Falcon we
found several flaws hindered out progress and execution. These came in the form
of sound levels, continuity both in setting and in costume, and timing. It
resulted in our group not being able to fully recreate the opening scene only
the first half and served as a warning not to fall into the same traps for our
creative project execution.
We found when filming, that distance of the camera from the
action within a room can have a dramatic effect on the volume of the dialogue
and though we expected some change in volume levels, we did not anticipate such
a change. As a result cutting from one shot to the next resulted in fluctuating
sound levels that were distracting and detrimental to the film. This could have
been avoided if an over dub was used, however, due to another problem “timing”,
this was rendered impossible. In relation to my sequence, overdub will solve
the problems in the first half, that of the extended shot of Jacky making his
way back to the car and the scene in the car itself as it would allow me to
adjust the levels of diegetic background noise, such as the traffic and raise
(or lower) the dialogue within the car.
When filming the opening scene, we were forced to change set
due to other classes requiring the use of the room. This is horribly apparent
and is a major distraction due to the entire scene in the Maltese Falcon being
set in one room. This completely breaks the continuity due to elements of the
room changing in one shot only to revert back the next. Many props on Sam’s
desk used in the first session of filming were lost in the next, thus any
following shots of the table showed missing or different objects. This
highlighted how easy it is too forget little things and how important it is to
catalogue every object used. In terms of my film, it highlights the necessary
precautions particularly in the scene in the car as the time needs to be
consistent throughout the scene along with the weather, objects and positioning
of the characters.
Costume inconsistencies are also apparent with items of
clothing changing from one shot to the next. This is most prominent when in one
shot one of the actresses has a scarf and a hair pin and the next looses both.
These inconsistencies are due to lack of communication between the two groups
(as the two groups swapped members in order to fulfil actor or actress roles)
and with no schedule and lack of proper coordination, many costume inconsistencies
are apparent. It has made me re devise my planning structure to ensure people
do not arrive at a filming session with the wrong costume or inconsistencies.
It also highlights the vital need for communication with the members of my cast
and crew.
The lack of proper timing for the filming sessions was
arguably the greatest factor that led to the unfinished product and much of the
costume and props inconstancies. With the added time factor of another group
relying on using the same setting and some of the same people, time was a large
constraint. It meant some corners were cut to ensure that one group was not
prioritised over another. The setting up of the room (e.g. finding a camera, setting
up the lighting) took longer than anticipated and combined with the massive
time constraints meant a very small window of actual shooting time. I
discovered that setting things up before a filming session makes the session
much more productive and allows a much bigger window for inspiration and
deviation, essential for a successful film to be made. Successful time management
also means filming is easier on both me and my cast and crew and allows me to
get the best out of them in their role.
This recreation task of the Maltese Falcon has highlighted
areas that previously I would have not addressed as thoroughly as perhaps I
should have done. It has proved an invaluable learning experience for my
creative project task.
No comments:
Post a Comment