The units end - what have I learnt and achieved?

This unit has been very busy and much different than I expected. I have learnt how different Film and TV acting is compared to stage acting, how it is filmed and techniques that are used. I have gained useful experience in the area which I can use in the future and I also believe I have learnt to push myself out of my comfort zone further so I can improve. I found it quite stressful but only because you never really know whats happening or when the next shoot will be, but it gently works it self out as the unit develops. I am happy and frustrated with myself in different areas, I am happy that I focused, tried my best and developed through the unit, yet I am worried about seeing the final products (short films) as I know I could of done aspects better and I am unsure of how they will look!. Overall the unit has given me a greater insight into the world of Film and TV in both performance and technicality and I have enjoyed working with new people and performing in a completely different environment and style.

Film and Tv research

Information for the actors-


Good film and TV actors must always be focused and extremely aware, not only of their character, but of the 'audience' and the Studio location; including

• The camera
• Key lights
• Microphone
• space and frame sizes

Because a screen actor can realise the importance of props, costume, set, blocking business, character and other actors, but if they don't understand the relevance and importance of the camera and other technical attributes they still won't be able to give a successful performance.

One of the most important aspects is that TIME IS MONEY!- starting and stopping the camera wastes film and time, once an actor understands this the producer and the director will be much happier. If you make a mistake don't stop, simply forget about it, stay in character and start again, this will use less film than constantly stopping and starting. Once the filming is finished don't simply disappear, make sure the director know where you are and is happy with what you have done.

Micheal Caine

A good example of a talented film and TV actor is Micheal Caine- Norman Jewison an acclaimed director, producer and actor said "Micheal Caine is a movie star, but he's also a great actor. I can't say that about every movie star. It's the concentration he has"

see link for information- .http://www.michaelcaine.org/

The set

The set is a working environment designed for efficiency. The back generally faces bare walls with thick soundproofing, and electrical and grip equipment is stored around the edges. There is a lighting grid above, lights and key lights around. There are many people on set at any one time, so safety, being professional and communication is very important in this environment.

The crew

• DirectorDirector of Photography – lights the set and actors, and sometimes helps the director place the camera
• Assistant Director – Runs the set
•  Camera Operator and Focus Puller – operate the camera for different shots in the scene
• Boom Operator – operates the boom for the microphone(s)
• Sound Mixer – records and monitors sound
•  Continuity Person – documents ALL action that  needs to remain the
   same between takes and different shots
•  Make-up, Costume, Runners, etc
• Actors

Shooting calls

•  “Quiet on set!”
• Assistant Director – “We’re going for a take.  Roll on sound”
• Sound Person – “Sound rolling”
• Assistant Director – “Roll camera”
• Camera Technician - “Camera Rolling”
• Sound Technician – “Speed”
• Assistant Director – “Mark it”
•  Slate Person – “Scene 32, No God for the Sinner.  Take one”
• Director – “Action”

The Camera

•  TV and Film can be shot in a range of methods, from single camera to multi- camera. Cameras can be moved in a variety of ways during shots – hand held, on a dolly, Steadicam, crane – and the actor has to be aware of which camera they are performing to.
• 
  

  Usually a master shot of the scene will be filmed, followed by specific shots to be edited together in post production
• you are specifically directed to do so. 
  

  You must NEVER look directly at the camera during rehearsal or actual shooting, unless 
• You MUST develop a new and specific style of physical techniques for screen acting, and perform your part in rehearsals, EXACTLY as you will during the actual shoot, so that the crew can carry their roles out properly. 
•   You MUST  be aware of where the camera is at all times, AND aim to know  what type of shot will be filmed so that you can alter your acting technique  appropriately.
• You MUST aim to continue acting after the Director calls ‘CUT’. 

The microphone

•  Microphones are generally always placed on booms and held above the actors as they speak, rather than being fixed.
•  In film the sound and film are recorded separately and edited together.
• The microphones used in film are very sensitive, therefore you don't have to use some of the vocal techniques which you need in theatre, yet you must however develop a new vocal style for screen acting, and use this in rehearsals so the sound and boom operator know what they are doing during the actual shoot.
• You must be prepared to re-shoot at any time- sound issues often have to be resolved in pick-ups.

The key light

•  Several Key Lights are placed on stage to catch the actors expression in a shot.
• May be direct or indirect lighting.
• You MUST use your time during rehearsals to observe where key lights are focused and get used to hitting these marks.
• You MUST NOT stand in someone Else's key light, as you will cast a shadow on them.

Finding Rosamund - scene 7

We filmed scene 7 in Stewart's park. This was our last day of filming, a few of the crew couldn't make it in today so it was just me, Kendall and Kirsty, (director). There was also no means of getting make-up done, therefore we had to go without (but we are both natural looking in the scene anyway so it was manageable).

scene 7-
We filmed the scene much differently than the script as we thought of a few ideas on the day.
During the scene "Rosamund" and the girl are now playing tag through the woods, and Me and Kendall thought that we could use Kirsty's hat as a prop, she liked the idea and let us add it into the scene. During the shoot we used many different camera angles than previously e.g point of view shot (Kendall held the camera). It was also very interesting as we needed to help Kirsty with the sound boom as the operator wasn't around, so I got to hold the boom and listen through the headphones (attached to the camera) to hear what the sound is like and what it picks up.
The scene is as follows:

Sc 7    EXT.     WOODLAND.     DAY - MIDDAY                          Sc 7

GIRL and ROSAMUND are hiking together through the woods, one of their happiest memories.

They are laughing, dancing with each other and swinging on the trees. GIRL carries ROSAMUND on her back as they hike, they giggle and admire the views around them. 

Overall the shoot didn't encounter any problems apart from being short of the crew, therefore it took slightly longer. I tried my best during the shoot but I am unsure of how it looks as I haven't seen the footage yet, as always I could have improved aspects but you can always improve on what you have done. I enjoyed getting to use some of the technical equipment, coming up with ideas and working with Kendall and Kirsty.

Finding Roamund- scene 15

We originally planned to shoot this scene on a Tuesday, but due to the make-up students not turning up it had to be changed to Thursday, this was a good example of how one person can effect the whole shoot,  as everybody else was ready and prepared to go. This means that in this sort of industry you have to be reliable and on the ball constantly.
Luckily on Thursday everybody turned up so the shoot could go ahead, yet the location had to be changed as make-up took longer than expected, therefore there wasn't enough time to catch the train. This was easily resolved as we walked up to a woodland area close by and found a suitable location. 

The scene-
I found this scene the most challenging as it was the most in depth emotionally and physically for my character. Me and Kendall had rehearsed this scene previously which did help massively while filming as we had developed our characters further and understood how they related to each other (emotion wise). Yet this didn't change the fact that I found it very challenging to act, although In a way a challenge is good, as it gives you the opportunity to try something new and push your comfort zone further.
The scene is as follows:

                          Sc 15

     CONT’D from Sc 1.

  

GIRL is stood on the track on the OPEN MOORLAND, motionless. Time seems to have stood still.

After a few moments, she falls backwards onto the ground.

She remains still for a few moments before smiling sadly, relaxing, she turns her head to her right.

   ROSAMUND, nine years old, long dark plaited hair, dressed in an angel costume with wings.

   MAKEUP. Ghostly pale skin, purple under her eyes, bruises across her cheeks and a long scar alongside her eye running down her cheek. Bruise marks on her neck.

GIRL smiles at the sight of her beloved sister, restraining her overwhelming emotions.

GIRL

(whispers gently)

Hey Kiddo.

ROSAMUND smiles softly in acknowledgement to her sister, raising her hand to gently touch GIRL’S cheek.

GIRL

(whispers)

Am I dead?

ROSAMUND shakes her head, her palm resting on her sister’s cheek.

GIRL

What about you?

ROSAMUND turns her face away slightly, her hand slides away from GIRL’S cheek. Her expression turns mournful. She nods.

GIRL

Aren’t you in Heaven?

ROSAMUND shakes her head.

GIRL

(she whispers painfully)

You’re trapped here, aren’t you?

ROSAMUND nods her head, looking back over at her sister.

GIRL

Can you go to Heaven if you’re set free?

ROSAMUND shrugs her shoulders slightly, looking doubtful but smiles a small smile.

 GIRL

(whispers hopefully, her smile trembling)

Can I set you free?

ROSAMUND hesitates, looking into her sister’s eyes before shaking her head.

GIRL takes a moment to absorb her sister’s words, trying hard to hide her deep disappointment, but feels her eyes well up.

GIRL

Can you tell me where you are?

ROSAMUND’S smile grows with compassion, as she raises her hand to rest over her sister’s heart.

A tear escapes from GIRL’S eye.

ROSAMUND catches the tear before it falls.

GIRL laughs gently, smiling warmly but still emotional as she brushes her fingers along ROSAMUND’S hair.

GIRL

Did I ever tell you that you are the prettiest girl in the whole wide world?

They both lay in silence for a moment, just gazing into each other’s eyes.

GIRL (CONT’D)

(whispers)

   I’m scared.

ROSAMUND nods, and makes a sleeping gesture to GIRL.

GIRL nods, another tear starts to run along her cheek.

GIRL

Okay, will you stay with me?

ROSAMUND smiles and nods, moving closer to wrap her arms around her sister, cuddling into her side.

GIRL moves and wraps her arms back around her sister, kissing her bruised forehead and resting her head onto of ROSAMUND’S.

GIRL

(hesitantly closes her eyes and whispers)

Nighty night, love you…

ROSAMUND

(waits a moment then closes her eyes and whispers)

Love you too…

SCREEN fades to black.

The shoot-
During the shoot my responsibility was to listen to what the director wanted, portray "Rosamund" as best as possible and to be focused and committed to the scene. I believe I did my best to carry out this responsibility as I listened to everything my director said,  tried to portray "Rosamund" to the best of my ability at the time and I was completely committed to creating the scene. Although I am a bit disappointed with myself, as I know I could have done it better and improved many aspects of my performance. In future I will try to get into character quicker and rehearse as much as possible.

What went well?-
we managed to find a suitable location and film all of the scenes we needed. We all communicated/worked well with each other, and the weather was great for the shoot!.  

Were there any problems?-
A few problems were encountered including a slight problem with the sound, the sun being in our eyes and an annoying spider which decided to crawl on me in the middle of the shoot!. These were dealt with by changing the positioning (of me and Kendall so we wouldn't constantly blink) and retakes as I didn't manage to keep still with a spider on me. We also had to retake scenes as our gestures went out shot, this is because the  frame sizes consisted of mainly close-ups, this was easily solved though as we just "cheated" the shots slightly by moving the gestures upwards ( nearer our shoulders).

Finding Rosamund- pick-up shots

Some of the shots from the beach shoot needed to be retaken due to people in the background and some shots not being what the crew wanted. Therefore we headed back to the beach and took these shots again, although this time a different part of the beach was chosen as it was larger and more open. Unfortunately we did encounter some complications during the shoot including

• a bolt from the camera stand went missing- luckily it was found but it did cause delay
• The rucksack used in the previous shoot was forgotten- luckily Kirsty (director) had a spare, but it did mean that all of the shots involving the prop had to be retaken.
• There were still dogs and people in the background which the camera operator had to avoid.

 My character (Rosamund) wasn't actually in many of the shots that were retaken, so I could just watch how it was done from the crews perspective which was interesting. I could see through the camera and understand the problems that can occur in the back of the shot which the actors are unaware of. This has helped me to undersand the importance of retaking shots and communicating with the crew to make sure you are in the right spot or if it needs taking again. working as a team and communicating with each other is crucial for film and tv.

Scene analysis #3

The scene opposite is from a BBC show called "Merlin". The scene is about a character called "Arthur" (who is usually closed to feelings) showing his sensitive side.  His servant "Merlin" decides to tease him about this when they return to "Camelot" and "Arthur" isn't too pleased!

How many shots/frames are in the scene? The scene consists of 26 shots

What kind of shots/frames are in the scene?
Extreme long shot, Long shot, Medium shot, over the shoulder. There is also use of zoom and panning.

How do the actors ‘cheat’ the shots?  The actor playing "Merlin" (Colin Morgan) spends longer than a normal person would to put clothes in the wardrobe, as it needs to last through the other characters lines (Arthur). In areas they reduce their gestures slightly to fit into shot.

What are the actors’ vocal skills like? They were great, the use of intonation, enunciation, pace and word emphasis fitted the conversation and the characters way of speaking. You could also hear everything clearly.

How detailed are the actors’ performances? detailed in parts, especially during the beginning as there is allot of emotion involved, the actor portrayed "Arthur" in great detail in this part as he needed to show the in depth emotion his character was feeling. He Carry's this on through out but in a different manner as his character is having to hide his emotions while subtly showing that in reality he does care, the use of facial expression was used brilliantly to portray this.

Why do you think the actors’ performances are appropriate for film/TV acting? Yes, because they suit their characters and perform them in a natural style which makes them believable. They also use good facial expression which can be picked up by the camera. They don't have any noticeable bad habits e.g blinking

Can you explain what you think is good about the actors performances, and why you think this? I personally think the performances were great, they have captured the personality's of the characters, and used movement, facial expression and vocal tone to get this across brilliantly. The actors are also very versatile as at the beginning they are portraying sadness mixed in with relief, whereas during the other parts the characters are there usual selves (Arthur being tetchy and stubborn and Merlin joking and working). An example of the good facial expression is "Arthur" at the start of the scene.

Can you explain how you would have performed the scene differently, and why? I honestly think they performed it in the best way possible, so I wouldn't change anything about the performance, apart from aspects like the prolonged clothes hanging! but that wasn't the performance that was stage directions and props.

Voiceovers

My character in "Finding Rosamund" speaks the voice overs (the girls thoughts) in the film. To record these I went to the green room and spoke them closely to the boom, this means the recording should hopefully be clear. I put a great deal of thought into the voice overs as I wanted to get the feeling of the characters across, below is a list of rehearsal techniques I used:

• Read through them until I felt like I understood the emotion and meaning behind them
• spoke them out loud
• recorded them to hear how they sounded and If I was speaking them to fast, slow or quiet

Even though I rehearsed them in detail they still didn't sound like I wished them to during the actual recording. This may have been due to many reasons, including nerves, over thinking them or simply just feeling uncomfortable hearing or seeing myself on camera; as I can always see fault in aspects or something which I could have improved on or done differently.


overall
It was interesting to see how they record voice-overs and it was useful to have experience in the area.  I made sure that I listened to what the director wanted, and asked if she was happy with the recordings (she said she was), and I now know what rehearsal techniques work best for me, so I can use these in the future. I just hope they sound OK when the film is edited together.

A sound boom, used to pick up a good quality of sound when filming.
the cover reduces background or unwanted sound e.g wind