In the foley workshop we were given a silent clip lasting a couple of seconds and had to identify what sounds we should add to it, such as footsteps, body movement and flame sounds. I really enjoyed how we could explore the different sounds made by the materials and work together to identify what materials would work with the visual aspects of the video. I thoroughly enjoyed my opportunity to create the footsteps of the video using two pieces of metal. At first I found it incredibly difficult to get the timing right but in the end it turned out perfectly! Before this workshop I did not have as much of an interest in sound however I think I would love to explore it further.

Workshop 2 - Soundscape Recording

In this second workshop we learnt how to use the Zoom H2n in order to record sounds in a natural environment. I got used to the basics of how to record and listen out for noise but unfortunately our workshop was cut short after it started raining. I would like to take the time to explore soundscape recording further as I feel I did not have enough time to explore recording many different sounds.

We began by learning the fundamentals of documentary work with Ang, learning about specific shots such as an establishing shot and close ups that are quite common in documentaries. As I'm very new to film production it was very intruiging to me to learn about these shots. After learning these fundamentals we got to practice making our own short documentaries in groups using a Cannon C70 and a shotgun mic. I loved being able to finally work with this camera and begin to get used to cinematography with proffesional cameras rather than a phone or old camcorder and liked working with the group to create this documentary. I worked as the director for this so I was able to build my confidence in that area also, suggesting angles and dialogue for the crew. Overall I was relatively pleased with the final result, however I feel I could explore this area further and this focus on documentaries has given me an idea for my Portrait Project due in December.

In our seminars we then discussed the representation of class in media and the stereotypes that come with it. We discussed how the middle class appears to be the default class in media. I then highlighted how it feels that the lower class is often used for comedic effect in media, as shown in shows and films like 'This Country'.

After writing the script, however, I put out a casting call on my social media and got quite a few responses. I organised online auditions and readings for the characters so I could best gauge who fits my vision the most. I am extremely pleased with the actors I managed to gather in the end as they were genuinely spot on!

To begin the filming we started with the interviews, filming each with the dialogue to cut in post. We all had great fun and even had to cut a few shots due to laughing! My crew and cast were all very supportive as it was my first time directing, however as time went on I became more and more comfortable with giving feedback and direction to both cast and crew.

After filming the interviews we went outside to film the final shots before heading home. We had some trouble with the microphone and left some shots' sound to be completed in post.

I then proceeded to deal with the sound, reducing the gain and adding sound to the clips that didn't have any due to the microphone problem (I've been told people didn't realise anything was wrong, so that's a good sign).

After this I did some colour correction and slight colour grading as the clips had for some reason turned out really dark. I increased the exposure in post and increased the warmth to create a softer visual for the audience.

Finally, I edited the end which had been something I thought of from the very start, with a slideshow much like 'First Dates' where they add a '3 months later' section. Combined with the music (Frolic - Luciano Michelini), the end became my favourite part as it had the comedic timing I'd been aiming for.

"This is actually properly funny - I'm a bit shocked to be honest" - my dad

"I showed my sister and she loved it" - a friend from home

"So funny, so you" - my old English teacher

"it hard slayed beyond belief" - a fellow film student

I'm so excited for what film I'll make next.

I thoroughly enjoyed this unit, and as someone who has never done any type of film production before. I have definitely learnt a lot that I will be taking with me throughout the course.

I originally thought this idea was quite boring, however I was told by a lecturer "it's not boring, it's just undeveloped". After hearing this I decided to use this idea and build on it with the advice of my lecturers. I was told to add something abstract like a vampire, and after some discussion with my group we decided on an alien, with which we could present the metaphor of being alienated from society.

Additionally, we decided on naming the film 'Can I Sit Here?' which helps convey the importance of the first scene in our idea, and how this girl's subconscious kindess led to the storyline we created.

Now that the idea was fully developed, I finally felt confident with the concept, as I had been nervous to explore it before because I felt it was too boring.

I was incredibly happy in the end to find out that our film had been chosen for production! It gave me a lot of confidence in my writing and ideas.

The pre-production started with my first job which was script-writing. I took the transcript I had made for the pitch and transformed it into the script, however due to issues with copyright we could no longer use the music we wanted. After some feedback from the initial pitch as well, I added in more meet cute moments for both the boy and the alien with the girl, as well as more high stakes such as a scene showing the alien being bullied for her looks.

Following the script being produced, me and my crew began working on the production design whilst getting everything ready. For me this included giving a presentation on my visions for each scene with screengrabs of films and sketches of certain scenes, as well as countless meetings with both the crew and the actors so they were aware of what stage we were at and when they would be filming.

As it neared the filming dates, I created schedules and analysied the shot lists created by my DOP in order to be extremely organised, creating a document to keep with me when on set.

As this was my first time directing, I strived to be as organised as I could on set in order to prevent stress. I also researched into how to be a better director, reading "Filmmaking for Dummies" by Brian Michael Stoller in which Stoller states "The director sets

the tone on-set with the cast and crew (...) Actors

often subliminally mirror their directors. If the

director is frantic, uptight and nervous, the actors’

performances are affected. If the director is

confident, organised and decisive, the actors feel

a sense of security." This stuck with me and I strived to try and achieve a fun but professional working environment.

On day 1, it was our biggest shoot, with the entirety of the crew present, along with actors and extras. This took place in the lecture theatre and was the majority of the film itself, which is why it was such a big set. Although at times I was very stressed, I remained composed and had quite a lot of fun on set. We managed to finish half an hour ahead of schedule which made me very pleased. I ensured I spoke to everyone from my crew that day, as well as giving a speech to start for the actors and extras so they were aware of what they were supposed to be doing. The set went really smooth and I was pleased with the outcome.

On day 2, we filmed multiple different scenes but the main focus was on the end scene which turned out absolutely perfect. The only trouble we had was the sun going down whilst trying to do the makeup for the alien, so hopefully that will be sorted in post with colour grading.

Our final day consisted of a few more shots needed here and there before fully finishing, such as scenes of characters on the phone or some meet cute moments for the girl and the boy.

Overall, I really enjoyed producing this film and I think I noticeably grew in confidence as the days went on. I am very proud of what I managed to achieve.

I explored layering and opacity quite a bit in this film, and how by doing so a dreamy effect is created which is also quite confusing. I also subtly explored the idea of mental health and overcoming those challenges, and hoping that younger you who was struggling with mental health can see how everything does get better.

I really enjoyed making this film even if it was quite a short unit, as I got to explore a lot of ideas and experiment with different cameras, effects, music and a lack of storyline whcih, as a scriptwriter, I normally focus on a lot.