Pre - Production
Before making my short film, I created a working template as to how I wanted my project to look with regard to technical effects. These included camera work and a shot list, foley sound, transitions/editing techniques and lighting techniques. Mapping out each sequence was important so that I can visualise the script starting to take shape. I have decided to follow this template, which matches my script and storyboard ideas, as it gives a structure for when I start filming and will give the film a flow that it wouldn’t have if I was to do it in a more ad hoc way.
Template of Short Film:
Prior to filming, I created a finalised script and storyboard that is open to change should a problem occurs or I feel an element could be added. This structure means that I can complete any pre-production documents that I will need before filming starts and help pre-empt any problems that may arise beforehand so that these problems don’t arise on production days. The forms I need to complete ahead of shooting include a shot list, production schedule, location recce, call sheet, risk assessment, release form and a legal and ethical form. Filling out these forms will also give me an indication of how long it will take to shoot the film. There were no problems to overcome when writing the script, as I had visually mapped it out - and had researched how to correctly write a narrative following different theorists such as Todorov and the narrative structure. Here is the initial script and storyboard for my short film.
Script and Storyboard (First Draft)
Below are all the pre-production documents I thought were essential to complete before filming to highlight any problems that may occur before actual production. I compiled the list by looking at past filming projects that I had worked on, using these as a guide. I took notes from my script and storyboard on what forms will be necessary. I have organised the documents into the forms that the cast and crew need to sign and what I had to sign as the producer. The documents highlight what type of locations can be used, what dates cast and crew are needed to film, risks people might encounter when filming, legal encounters of using footage with the cast in, or anything that has a copyright.
Location Recce: A location recce helps determine all the different technical aspects of the film, including lighting, access, sound, logistics and anything else the shoot requires. It shows the suitability of the location chosen. Before filling in the forms, I have read my script and made notes of all the locations I needed for filming, I have then scouted different locations. The main problem I encountered was finding a public gym that would give its permission to film in, as logistically it was difficult not knowing who would be there and might object to being filmed. I had to find a resolution to this problem, by finding a private small gym where the owner would allow me to film with the cast and crew without causing too much disruption. I reached out to a contact I know, who has a small gym and she has allowed me to film there, but the drawback is that it has limited access to boxing equipment. I will resolve this by rewriting the boxing actions the character is doing in the scene, like punching a boxing bag. The majority of the other locations I am using will be public areas where I do not require permission to film, including the train station and outside the school. I have gained permission to film in the other two locations of Frankie and Mias’ house. I am happy with how all the locations look and feel that they match the description in the script. Filling out the location recce form has helped me solve different problems before filming to ensure that everything is clear before shooting.
Production Schedule: A production schedule commonly gives cast and crew knowledge of what is being filmed on each production date and is a less detailed version of a call sheet. The schedule highlights the date the scene or shot is being filmed, the action that is taking place and which actors are required for the scene. When filling in the document I looked at all the types of locations and planned the schedule around this, so I won’t be travelling to different locations on the same day, meaning that we can set up in one place. I was able to make a schedule by looking at the script and planning all the scenes needed, then working out from different locations where the scenes would be filmed. The document helped me understand what to film each day when to call in the actors, what equipment I would need and which crew to book. It also helped when I wrote the call sheet.
Shot list: A shot list highlights the types of angles and movements the camera requires for every shot needed in the film or sequence, this is also commonly used as a checklist for the cast and crew to have an understanding of what is needed to be filmed on the production dates. This is usually created in a table telling the cast and crew the scene number, shot number, shot size, camera angle and description of the scene. To create the document, I followed my storyboard and script to establish which types of shots I want to use in the scene and double-check that I had all the correct shots written down. Filling in this document has been useful, giving me an exact checklist of all the shots I need to film on the production dates.
Call Sheet: A call sheet is needed to give the cast and crew specific information about the production date of filming. The document commonly has the schedule for the day, the date of filming, the unit call time and the estimated wrap, with other details like contact details, the weather forecast, which actors are required for scenes and a list of requirements for different departments such as Prop or Costume requirements. To produce the document, I used the production schedule as a guide as to when scenes are being filmed and what actors are needed for filming. It also helped me with timings on when the unit call and wrap time would be. During production, I was faced with the problem of an actor playing the part of the bully being unavailable, so, in order to overcome the problem, I changed the dialogue to a text that the character receives so that the storyline and the schedule would be unaffected. After no more problems arose and with the cast and crew available, I have filled in a document to start filming on the dates 08/03/23 to 16/03/23. This document has been essential for filming as each cast and crew member will know what time they are required to be with the film unit and also has useful information such as contact numbers in case of any problems.
Release Forms: A release form is required to be signed by an actor who is seen in the film as it gives consent to use footage of them. This allows the production, the right to film, use and release footage of the actors in a film. This is commonly a statement of the cast agreeing to be used in any of the film's footage. When creating the document I followed the call sheet to make sure that all of the actors to be used on the day had signed the document before filming. This has given the production the legal right to use the footage of the actors.
Risk Assessments: A risk assessment is a form that calls attention to any risks or hazards that may be on set when filming and makes the cast and crew aware of these risks. The document informs the cast and crew of the hazards, people who might be affected, how high the risk is and what to do if anything happens. For this, I thought about the types of props, equipment and action the cast and crew would face, as there were issues due to the scene involving boxing and heavy prop gym equipment such as weights. To reduce the risk and improve safety, I will make sure that we rehearse the boxing sequences and only use the gym equipment when necessary, also making sure it isn’t used by the crew.
Legal and Ethical: A legal and ethical document is used to respect the copyright of other artists including music, photographs, artwork etc and you will need documentation for every single item used under copyright. It is very important that you have the permission of the artist or their estate before using their work and by respecting these laws you will hopefully avoid issues when the film is released to the public. After examining my script there were no ethical issues that were apparent, however, there was a legal problem with the song ‘Heroes’ by David Bowie that I wanted to use at the end of the film as I required copyright. I overcame this problem by finding other copyright-free music that I found fitting and could be used in the background on a YouTube video of ‘Copyright Free Background music’. By having a legal and ethical document, I have been mindful of other people's copyright and it has helped me pre-empt problems and find alternatives. This website also helped https://www.desktop-documentaries.com/copyright-issues.html
Testing Equipment: Documents filled in and locations scouted, I am now ready to test all the filming equipment to make sure that I am ready to shoot. I tested the camera and microphone to film and record audio by recording a few seconds on the test clips. This all ran perfectly with no problems encountered. The correct setting was on the camera and microphone, with no manual problems and they both picked up clear footage and audio to a good standard. I was ready to move on to the production stages of filming.
Conclusion: After filling out all the documents, there have been a few adjustments to the script and storyboard for the problems that were encountered. These included changing to a text being sent due to an actor's availability, which I feel the constraint has worked to my advantage as It feeds into the narrative of how bullies can still get at you at all times even when they are not standing right in front of you. Changing the first scene where Frankie trains due to not being able to get some of the props to the location and having to change the action the character is acting. Lastly, changing the song at the end due to copyright laws.
My finalised script shows the changes.
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