Website Filming Evaluation (12.12.15)

On the 12th December, Georgieanne and Ellie filmed the scene to be used for the website, and completed a photo shoot for the image to be used for the poster.

Location

Firstly, Ellie drove to Sutton-Valence, arriving at 11:30. This was the chosen location due to the fact that the group previously decided to use the scene where Ellie is holding a red balloon for the background image for the website.

Website Background Scene

We collectively decided that it would be best to adapt this scene, and so we used a black balloon rather than a red one, and we had Ellie facing away from the camera. This decision was made due to the fact that we took inspiration from previously made student websites, in which we saw one particular group use a simple still image with a time-lapse of the sky, an effective technique that added to the website well.

However, we decided to film the shot with Ellie in it, rather than placing an image over the top of a video of the moving sky, so as to make it appear more professional and to conform to conventions of social realist websites such as The Broken Circle Breakdown, which I previously analysed.

Issues

We encountered various issues, including the following:
1. As a group we had chosen to take just one of the words from the original balloon, "Damaged" and write it diagonally across the new balloon. However, as this new balloon was black, although we used gold pen, the writing did not show up in the lighting we needed for the shot.
2. We ideally needed Ellie to be perfectly still, and the weather conditions were almost identical to those in which we originally shot the scene, which seemed like a blessing, but we soon discovered that this meant it was very windy, and so although Ellie is still, her hair is constantly moving throughout the filming.
3. In the previous time-lapse video we shot, Ellie did not stand absolutely still as it is clear that her expression changes. However, for this shot we needed her to be completely still.

Solutions

1. We decided to shoot the piece using the black balloon, and thought that it could possibly be used on the website to place an interactive link or put the title or tagline on top of it in white text.
2. We did not come up with a resolute solution to this issue, as very little could be done without the input of the other members of our group, and so we decided to leave it as it is before changing something. If the group agree that the footage is not usable, Ellie and  agree that it would be simple to reshoot, and Ellie could try tying her hair up.
3. This was easy to resolve, as we simply had her look away from the camera, which not only meant that any movements in her expressions would not be seen, but also added to the overall theme of our film as it depicts her insecurity well.

Evaluation
Overall, this filming time went according to plan, and worked well. The natural lighting was effective and fitted that of the original scene, as well as encapsulating the overall mood we wished to present to the audience. The filming was succinct and simple, with very few complications. However, if the rest of the group are unhappy with the quality of any of the footage we are more than happy to reshoot.