Filming - Day 2

On today’s recap of production life, I will be going over the process of recording the opening scene a.k.a. the teen scene. We were unable to get to the horror section of the montage as planned, but as a result we were able to take our time to make the start of the film excellent.

A still of the Protagonist looking outside their bedroom window.

A major technique we utilized while filming was movement. By putting our camera onto a stabilizer, we were able to make the first few opening shots feel majestic. Oliver had the camera revolve around Edward as if he were a godly presence to emphasize that main character energy we are trying to parody. This combined alongside the bright sunlight shining through the room helps to sell the perfect illusion these teen movies typically give off. The lesson learned here is that on the spot creativity can be superior to the initial shot list and storyboard which had more static shots. When it came to the Protagonist and Narrator arguing over the script, we decided to change the ending where filming equipment would appear on screen. This was due to it most likely being too confusing for the audience, not having much equipment to make the scene look like a full on movie set, and it ultimately being an unnecessary detail. While on production, these moments of clarity, such as a cool idea or change, come to fully realize a film. From the perspective of a director, the best way I could describe it is as if the story is telling itself to you while it begins taking shape through the set design, equipment, and performances.

A still of the Protagonist acting shocked for being late to school.

With the opening scene done, tomorrow my team and I will spend the day focusing on the montage with the horror section we need to make up for. See you all then!