Filming Day 3: The Green Screen

The Green Screen.

We shot the green screen segment on 17th Oct. We got all the shots that we needed and the shoot went smoothly. It was all simple to set up (which we hadn't done before).
For the background we will be using graphics and stock images to make the package a more interesting topic. 

What went well?

Script

I took the liberty of writing the package script and I'm happy with how it turned out.
It was a difficult task, as I needed to write a complicated topic in a way that would be understandable to a young audience, and I knew that to achieve this I would need good graphics to illustrate what I was saying. I included this on the script not only to help in the post-production process but to remind us to keep it simple on the filming day, as it would make more sense later.
We used the teleprompter and this really helped.
We did make a few changes to the script on the way. Firstly, we changed the image of a cat to a picture of a dog, as Ebony was able to bring in a picture of her dog. Secondly, instead of the pirate skit, we used a robber stealing the photo from me (to illustrate someone going against copyright rules). I think it would have been better to use the pirate as this pushes the idea of 'piracy'- however, the pirate costume didn't work as well (see: Costume). Thirdly, we took out the vox pops that we had filmed. This is because in the script I say "sounds like you guys aren't too happy" but when we filmed the vox pops, the kids weren't really bothered by the change, so we removed the segment. It would have been good if it had made sense, but the package still works without it. 

Lighting

Lighting and setting up the green screen went well on this shoot because of our practice workshop that we had previously had. We knew exactly how the lights should be set up and with a few minor adjustments of light direction, we had it set up and ready to go. This really saved time, and the final product is well lit and the green screen has worked really well.

Shot Types

We kept the package extremely simple, with only 1 deviation from a centred mid shot of me. We initially were going to shoot 3 shots- a centred shot, and then me standing in the left and right thirds of the shot. However, we figured that we would be able to move me to either side of the shot as I was on a green screen anyway, so we stuck to the centred shot and finished with a close up of me holding up the photo of Ebony's dog. Everything else we needed we knew we were able to achieve in post production.

Research

The Skit

After some practice, the skit went as well as it could have done given our resources (see: Costume) and I feel that it helps along the package, setting a tone that's more interesting and entertaining, but still educational, which is exactly what we wanted to achieve.

What could we improve on?

Costume

This was probably the biggest problem with our shoot. For the skits we had planned to use both a pirate costume and a robber costume in separate segments.
Our first problem was that we would have needed 2 people to play the separate parts but only Ebony was available at the time.
Secondly, the costumes that Ebony was able to find last minute weren't what we were really looking for. This is no fault on Ebony, this was purely down to lack of planning as a group and uncertainty on what direction the skit was going to go, as we hadn't decided if we would use the pirate skit, robber skit, or both, so we figured we would film both and decide in post which one worked better.
However, when it came to the costumes, Ebony was only able to find temporary pirate face tattoos, which weren't very good quality and didn't look authentic enough on the camera. It was hard to tell what she was trying to depict. However, the robber costume was better with the face mask, and Ebony had her own black beanie hat and gloves, so we used this skit instead, and it worked out fine.

Shot List

Due to not using shot lists in this shoot, we did miss 1 shot, which was to do an alternative reply to the vox pops so that we would be able to use them regardless of what they said. We missed this shot and as a result weren't able to use the vox pops. It wasn't the end of the world, but it would have improved the package further, and it could have been a lot worse if we missed a key moment in the script. In that sense we were using the script as a shot list as that was broken down into different sections, however it could have really helped to just refer to a shot list and have it there just in case. It would have been better to have it and not need it than not have it and risk missing a shot.

What did I learn?

Green screen

I learned from this shoot how to set up a green screen, which although simple, I had never done before. This will be useful for many future shoots.

Planning

I also learned how important extensive planning is.  I think with this shoot we needed more time to look into how we were going to shoot it and although the shoot did go well in that sense, it would have been better to be more prepared in the beginning.

Perseverance

On the day, everyone in the crew weren't at their best for different reasons. Although I had flu, I still wanted to get the shot done, and although it tired me out, it helped me to see that with some perseverance and teamwork we can all get to our goal despite the hurdles if we just help each other out. Esme and Ebony really looked after the crew as a whole and it boosted morale, which meant that the shoot went smoother than we initially thought it would.

What could I develop?

Planning

If we had gone into every detail of the shoot beforehand, we would have had the proper props, paperwork, and would have known exactly what to expect. I know now that it would really help to have even just a 10 minute meeting right before the shoot or the day before so that we can discuss what we each expect from each other and how that is going to come to life.

My role

 I feel that I lagged in filling the producer role on this day and Ebony took it on more, as I was not feeling well I found it hard to keep track of time and our goals for the day, and so I focused on just doing my best job that I could with the presenting. It was difficult to try and make the subject exciting, but with some melodramatic enthusiasm I think it worked and came out to be more understandable, too.

Conclusion

Considering the circumstances, the shoot went remarkably well, and the outcome was possibly the best that we had had out of the 3 shoots. It could have been largely improved with better planning, but going with what we had, we all worked great together and created a package that I'm proud of.