Jeremy's Creative Journal by

Activity 1.2 - schedule for my short video production

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-04 12:52:18 UTC

1.3 - Synopsis

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-06 10:18:04 UTC

Cindy the "clean freak" is sick of her housemate eating her food, leaving empty milk containers in the fridge and just being a downright slob. She's told him many times to stop taking her meals and clean up his mess, but he denies it. What will she do to prevent dirty Michael from eating her food? Will she snap? Will she go too far?

2.1 - Image control quiz

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-11 11:45:52 UTC

Score: 15/16

After completing the readings and watching the video tutorials about image control, I didn't find the quiz too challenging. I am unsure about a few aspects of image control and will have to continue studying to ensure my film is of an exceptional quality. I think beginning to use a camera more often will also help me understand more about white balance and colour temperatures.
I retained the processes that are required when filming, including how to ensure the camera is always in focus when zooming in and out from subjects.
I find depth of field interesting and how it can change depending on the type of shot and aperture. That's something I will definitely have to consider when shooting my short film.
I understood and comprehended how different light sources create different colour temperatures; however, remembering the degrees kelvin was a different story. Remembering numbers is one of my weaknesses, and it may take me a little bit more study to remember the degrees kelvin for each light source.
Another concern I have, is remembering all the parts of a camera and how to undertake white balancing; however, with a bit of practical experience I think I can improve this aspect of the filming process.

Strengths:

Depth of field and how it changes depending on the lens angle and aperture.
The process of ensuring the camera is in focus when zooming in on a subject.
Understanding how light sources have particular colours and create a certain mood.

Weaknesses:

Remembering the degrees Kelvin for particular light sources.
Understanding the definition of white balance and its importance when filming in any location.
Technical terminology and that the distance between the subject and the camera lens is 'focus' as well as the sharpness of the image.

2.2 - Equipment

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-11 12:55:10 UTC

Camera: Cannon EOS M10
I am going to use my partner's Cannon EOS M10 to shoot my short film. I have a couple of concerns about using the camera, including its lack of a 3.5mm jack for an external microphone. The camera does have manual focus and white balancing features though, which will be useful during shooting. I have a tripod that I will use during filming as well.

The first review of the CANNON EOS M10 i found was by an online photography website called Shutterbug. The majority of the review focuses on the camera's photography ability, but it does also mention some of its video features. Shutterbug editor George Schaub (2015) states that the camera:

"Also offers manual focusing in video mode. A focus peaking function helps to set up the focus point quickly. The focus peaking function is configurable, so the photographer can choose the peaking colour and intensity."

These features, along with a manual focus, will allow me better control the camera when I am shooting my short film. A downside to the Cannon EOS M10 is that it lacks a jack for an external microphone and cannot be mounted on the camera because it does not have an accessory shoe. For this project, I will have to work around the lack of external microphone options; however, when I go on to make more complex films, I will have to consider a camera with better sound quality. The camera does have manual and automatic sound level controls. Overall, Schaub (2015) is positive about the camera's ability to film, saying "The camera showed a very good performance in the video resolution test."

Photography Blog was less impressed with the Cannon EOS M10, saying:
"Canon has pared it back to what can barely be described as the ‘essentials’. There are three settings – two for stills, and one for video – and that’s it"(Goldstein 2016).

I will use the Cannon EOS M10 to film my movie, but I also have to understand the camera's restriction, particularly the quality of sound. Strengths of the camera include manual focus and aperture. I will have to utilise these features to help create my film. Once I have spent time practicing the camera and using its features, I think I will be better equipped to create a movie that is of an exceptional quality.

Tripod: Magnus VT-100 Tripod System with 2-Way Pan Head

From this week's readings and tutorials it has become evident to me that a tripod with the ability to pan smoothly is vital when shooting a film. I have a Magnus VT-100 tripod available that I can use to shoot my short film.
A review by Imaging Resource (Schneider 2016) says the tripod is well built, sturdy and has lots of features including fluid-effect head that pans smoothly.
The tripod seems like it will be a good fit for my first foray into filming. It Has basic features that will allow me to pan and create stable shots, but it isn't too complicated either.
Jason Schneider

References
Goldstein, M 2016, Canon EOS M10 Review, Photography Blog, viewed 12 April 2018, .

Schaub, G 2015, Canon EOS M10 Mirrorless Camera Review, Shutterbug, viewed 12 April 2018, .

Schneider, J 2016, Best Tripods For Video: Top choices for serious and professional video shooters at every price point, Imaging Resource, viewed 13 April 2018, <https://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2016/06/07/best-tripods-for-video-top-choices-for-serious-and-professional-video-shoot>.

2.4 - Story Idea

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-14 07:49:35 UTC

Treatment for The Cake

2.3 - Camera Exercise 1

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-15 01:18:50 UTC

I filmed the required shots for camera exercise 1 and then edited them on Premiere Pro. I decided to make a second video, editing the shots to ensure continuity. Upon reflection, I think I need to ensure the camera stays in focus when zooming in on the subject, and also make sure it is smoother. I could also consider some more pans as the subject walks into the shot.

2.3 - Camera Exercise 1A

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-15 03:35:50 UTC

3.1 - Camera exercise and sound #2

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-19 08:36:27 UTC

3.2 - Writing the Script

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-22 10:12:49 UTC

4.1 - Storyboard and shot list

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-29 10:05:08 UTC

4.3 - Cake storyboard and shot list

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-29 10:15:12 UTC

Note: Accidentally scanned a couple of blank storyboard templates before the shot list.

4.2 - Continuity and coverage

jeremyrochow — 2018-04-29 11:26:10 UTC

I learnt a fair bit while filming this piece about some of the challenges movie makers face. I had fading light, which impacted the white balance, then the camera battery went flat. When I finished filming, I realised the artificial light had taken over from the natural light and changed the colour of the footage. I also had a couple of issues with the camera focus and was thankful I had a coverage/ master shot.

5.1 - Location

jeremyrochow — 2018-05-05 07:05:06 UTC

The location for the entire shoot of my short film will be at a small unit in Renmark. I have acquired the location from a friend for one weekend initially as he is away in Adelaide. Due to the scale of the short movie I feel that this will be enough to begin with. The owner of the house has agreed with me that we can have another half day if needed the following week.

SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS

LOCATIONS

The majority of the shoot will be filmed in the kitchen. Upon first glance the area is cluttered with kitchen ingredients which will need to be moved prior to filming. It needs to look more like Cindy’s house rather than Michael’s kitchen. After speaking to the owner, he is fine with the crew removing the items for the shoot as long as they are returned. I have found a few items that we can use, such as quirky flour and sugar containers, that will make the area look more like Cindy’s house.

The kitchen also backs onto another area which is cluttered with items. During filming consideration will have to be taken to ensure the items are not in the shot. We can move the items around a little bit to help get a camera into position while shooting.

A window in the kitchen will allow me to shoot through the window as well, which could be a really cool shot.

Some of the rooms in the house could be tight while shooting. Thankfully only one subject will be in the bathroom and bedroom while filming. I will need minimal crew when shooting in these locations.

LIGHTING

Light is reasonably good in the kitchen; however, during the afternoon there may be a little bit too much coming in through the window. This can be remedied by partially shutting the blinds. The morning will be the best time to shoot in the kitchen, with natural light coming in from behind the camera.

When shooting in the bathrooms, I may have to consider getting some artificial lighting, so the rooms are not too dark. That also comes with challenges because those rooms have less room.

SOUND

The location doesn’t have any issues with sounds such as air-conditioning, heating or creaky floorboards; however, during the recce process I heard a child next door who was quite loud at times. The house is also quite close to a road, but the traffic is not constant. I will need to ensure we record some extra natural sound during the filming to cover up any noises from next door or the road.

SUPPORT

Toilets are available, as is telephone and mobile signal. An extra room is available for hair, makeup and a wardrobe on set. The house should remain relatively cool during filming as the season is autumn. Food is available at a number of locations around the set, but Iwill purchase items for the crew and actors to eat.

OH&S ISSUES

Considering the short movie will be filmed in a kitchen, and a hot oven will be used along with cooking utensils, I will have to consider the potential of somebody injuring themselves. I will have a first aid kit on hand if anything is to go wrong; however, no knives will be used in the kitchen, so it should be relatively safe.

The kitchen, pictured below, needs a little bit of work to make it look like Cindy the clean freak's kitchen. A lot of light can come in through the window, however, the blinds can be drawn if needed.

5.2 - Equipment

jeremyrochow — 2018-05-05 07:13:33 UTC

5.3 - Shooting schedule

jeremyrochow — 2018-05-06 11:03:32 UTC

6.1 - Casting actors

jeremyrochow — 2018-05-08 10:35:32 UTC

Characters in Cake
Cindy 'the clean freak'
Name: Cindy Smith
Age: mid-20s
Professional status: Accountant
Physical description: Wears plain, black glasses, dresses neatly and almost always has her hair tied back in a ponytail for efficiency. She is a brunette, medium height.
Hobbies: Collecting tea pots and drinking tea, reading, plays clarinet and making sure the house is neat and tidy.
Astrological sign: Cancer

Messy Michael
Name: Michael Kaproswitz
Age: 24
Professional status: self-professed artist/comedian
Physical description: As Michael works from home mostly apart from late nights at the local comedy club, the majority of the time he is unkempt and doesn't care too much about his appearance. Many of his clothes have numerous stains and they are rarely washed.
Hobbies: Drawing, enjoying fast food, particularly KFC and beer tasting.
Astrological sign: Libra

6.2 - Finding crew

jeremyrochow — 2018-05-08 11:11:59 UTC

Due to how remote I am and away from family and friends, I have sought help from a colleague to help organise the set and do some small jobs on the day. I will take on the role of camera operator on the day.

6.3 - Organise your shoot

jeremyrochow — 2018-05-08 11:13:41 UTC

6.3A - Location release form

jeremyrochow — 2018-05-14 07:34:01 UTC

6.3B Talent release form

jeremyrochow — 2018-05-14 07:39:06 UTC