Camera workshop 2

Today we had our second camera workshop, where my class divided into three groups and collected footage using sophisticated filming equipment. The task was to film a short dialogue sequence in a classroom, use different types of angles and shots. 

For the first time we tried recording audio using the microphone, which gets attached to the camera through a wire. An interesting piece of equipment we also had a look at today was a "wind muff" (or a "dead cat") - the fluffy, synthetic fur, the microphone is placed in. This item is useful when collecting footage outdoors, as its main purpose is in preventing the wind noise from being recorded. 

We were limited in time (only had an hour), which is why as soon as we arrived to our location (a media classroom), we set up the tripod, the camera and the microphone (relying on our knowledge and skills from the previous camera workshops). Our first decision was to place the main characters (who were going to have a dialogue) in the middle of the classroom and shoot them along the light direction (the large window was behind the camera). 

We kept in mind the 180 degree rule and after setting up the exposure and focus, we started recording wide shots of the action. The two actors learned a few lines of the dialogue, allowing us to make multiple shots of the same action (for the editing material to be versatile and not limited). After making a few wide shots, we moved on to creating mid shots and finished with a few close-ups on details. 

Overall, we definitely collected enough footage for us to edit during our second editing workshop and most importantly practiced our skills in terms of using different filming equipment. The latter is crucial for us at this stage due to the upcoming opening title sequence shooting day. As for now, I personally feel on track and quiet confident about the project me, Zoe and Isi are developing.