Finding a Vera

We pretty much have our cast sorted, with the exception of the character Vera. Although this character doesn't have a huge amount of dialogue, her presence in the film is quite important as she helps prompt the main character to think differently about himself and life.

I put up an ad on Gumtree and Studio NI:

We have had about 12 people interested in this role. I sent them copy of the script then gave them information on the casting day, which will be held on Monday 31st March, from 10am onwards in the Radio Studio at Millfield.

Pitching for Vegetarian Documentary

Today we pitched for our vegetarian documentary! We discussed what we would do for the pitch the previous week, and while we initially found it difficult to come up with a creative way to pitch the film, we did come up with several good ideas. We decided on designing T-shirts in reference to vegetarians- one listing all the insults/ questions vegetarians typically get asked. We thought this was a good starting point for the pitch because it is the main thing we want for people to get out of the film- to educate people and make them think twice about asking/ saying those types of things. On the second T- shirt we decided to write down all the different types of food that vegetarians can eat. I think it is a common misconception that the only food vegetarians can eat are vegetables, and this is something we wanted to tackle. Victoria designed and created both of the T- shirts, and they turned out really well- bright and colourful and it was nice to do something a bit different.

We started the pitch by explaining the T- shirts, and then moved onto the title "Greens, beans and everything in between", our two subjects, the audience, the locations, the themes addressed and our shooting dates.

Pitching For "Ducky Steps"

Today we pitched to our tutor about the production of the film "Ducky Steps."
In preparation for this pitch, my partner and I met during the week to make sure that we had everything sorted. My partner created a pretty dapper looking duck, with a mood board on the back to show what her inspirations were. The duck was on the other side of the mood board, and is significant in terms of the script and the protagonist, as was explained in the pitch. The duck is a representation of the side of Barney that he tries to keep hidden behind his front- vulnerable, soft hearted.


I got together the information about the production, as displayed in a previous post. Overall, I think the pitch went well as we got our ideas across well and have a good idea of how and when we are going to shoot it, however there are a couple of things we still need to confirm, and some problems that we need to sort out.

Information for Pitch

Title: Ducky Steps

 

Cast

Barney: Chris

Candid: Michael

Vera: Holding a casting next Monday

Desi: Beth

Daryll: Jonathan

Dougg: Chris M

 

Crew:

Matt: Sound

Andy: Camera

 

Equipment:

Canon XF 100

Tripod

Boom Mic

Lapel Mic

Sound Mixer

 

 

Shooting Dates: (3 shooting days, plus an hour to record voiceovers)

 Office Scenes (S1, S5) Barney, Vera

Tuesday 15^th April: Café Scenes (S2) Barney, Doug, Desi, Daryll

Beach scenes: (S3, S4, S6) Barney, Candid

 

 

Locations:

The Barge

Studio/ Radio Studio at Millfield

Holywood Beach

 

 

Props

Rubber Duck

Notepad and Pen

Papers

Satchel

Stones to skim

Sailing props: wooden boat/ anchor/ net/ sailor hat/ compass/ raincoat

 

 

 

Costumes

Noir Barney: Suit

Barney: Casual clothes- jeans and t-shirt, trainers etc./ work clothes

Candid: Casual clothes- jeans and t-shirt, trainers etc. (Similar colours to Barney)

Vera: Red lips, Red evening dress, high heels

Desi: Work clothes

Doug: Work Clothes

Daryll: Work Clothes

 

Ducky Steps Production Work

What we have done:
Confirmed two actors for the main characters
Confirmed actor for part of Desi
Had a readthrough and changed the dialogue of the script so it sounds more natural/ makes more sense
Got ideas for locations:
The Barge: Cafe scenes
Holywood Beach: Beach scene
Millfield TV Studio/ Radio Studio for office scenes
Advertised for character of Vera and received responses




What we still need to do:
Confirm actors for the parts of Dougg/ Daryll/ Vera
Hold a casting for Vera next week
Confirm we can use all locations when we actually need them- I am a bit worried we won't be able to use Millfield now as planned due to us planning on filming throughout the Easter holidays, so would need to check when tech actually closes.
Shooting dates confirmed
Equipment out
Shot lists/ Storyboards
Props/ Costumes sourced (this shouldn't be a big drama as we don't need to find anything unusual)
Lighting Test (for office scenes only)
Rehearsal/ Final Readthrough (only if we have time; my colleague was wanting to do one this week as she wanted the cast/ crew to be comfortable with each other, which makes sense, however I don't think it's essential)
Actually shoot- I think it will be a three day shoot, just a day/ half a day for each location, and then just an hour or so in the radio studio, filming the voiceover sound separately.

Vegetarian Production Meeting/ Meeting with Richard

20/03/14:We discussed further ideas for our pitch next Thursday. I think we came up with some good ideas that will be interesting.



24/03/14: Today we met Richard, the other subject for our documentary. This again was an encouraging meeting, and we felt reassured that our subjects would have plenty to say about being a vegetarian. We also worked out possible shooting dates. We are planning on filming Lindsay's interview on either Friday 4th April or Saturday 5th April (depending on which suits her better, because we are fine with doing either day). We are hoping to film Richard's interview on Tuesday 8th April, as he said during our meeting that this day would probably suit him best. Failing that, we will film his interview on Saturday 12th April. We are planning on filming any cutaways on Sunday 13th April, after we have time to make a note of what was said throughout the interviews so we can get relevant and interesting cutaways.

So far, so good! The only thing at this stage that is giving us a bit of annoyance is deciding where to hold the interviews. We want somewhere that looks nice and comfortable, but that is quite interesting. Our tutor suggested we film in a café, however we both think that this would cause difficulty when recording our sound. We have a few possibilities, we just need to talk them over again, and decide on a final location.

"Ducky Steps" Production Meeting: 20/3/14

We had another production meeting today as part of our class. My colleague was an hour and a half late which I was not best pleased about, but I worked on my other production until she got in.

When she arrived I got her caught up on what our tutor had explained about what to do for the pitches, which have to be completed and presented next week. We are going to have another meeting next Tuesday to discuss in more detail how we are going to pitch the idea.

We worked out what we still needed to get sorted: the cast extras ( we have the two mains), the locations (we know where we want to shoot but need to confirm we can actually shoot there), and provisional shooting dates.

We also tried to get feedback from our classmates about the most recent draft of the script. I have differing views on the script- sometimes when I read it I see as a dialogue centred, subtle story about someone who realises it's okay to have problems and not live in a perfect world. Other times when I read it I find it lacking in proper cause and effect- it almost just seems like different scenes where characters just talk.

The feedback we got from the class was also quite differing- some loved the dialogue and the story, and thought the ending was bittersweet, while others didn't think that there was enough of a story going on. These reactions make me worry that the film will not cater for as wide an audience as intended, but I am hoping feedback from our tutor will help the writer to finalise the script.

Some questions I had about the style of the script were cleared up for me today as a result of talking through the script with other people. Originally, the script was pitched to me as "pastiche noir" which I thought sounded very fancy, but had to ask to double check I understood what it meant. When reading through the script I was a bit concerned about how we would film the exterior scenes in the style of film noir, specifically the beach scenes, as film noir is quite dependant on the use of lighting. I did ask several times if the whole film was to be shot in film noir, and was assured that it was. This must have been a miscommunication because today I was told it is only the scenes when the main character Barney is in his imaginary world that are to be shot in style of film noir. This makes a lot more sense, and means the shoot will be a little easier than I first thought.

Readthrough

We had our first readthrough today! Unfortunately only two of the potential actors could make it, however I feel it was a worthwhile session nonetheless. We had Chris and Michael both read for the main so that we could see who would be the better fit.
We had a non recording runthrough, with Michael as Barney (the main character), and Chris being Dougg (a workmate extra who has the largest speaking role out of the three extras) and Candid, the secondary character. Anya and I played the parts of Desi (female extra), Darrell (small speaking role male extra) and Vera ("tertiary" character) respectively. We then recorded this using a ZOOM sound recorder.  We then all swapped roles and recorded this readthrough as well.


Throughout the readthrough process we came across bits and pieces of dialogue that didn't quite work, or responses that were a bit vague and confusing, and worked out better sentences to replace them. It was also great to see both actors get really into their characters and giving it there all, and it gave me a far clearer picture of Anya's creative vision for her film and the importance of telling her story through the relationship of her characters. We also discussed availability with them to have a better idea of when we could shoot.

We also got a better idea of how long the film would be, which was useful as it is quite difficult to tell from just a script. The dialogue lasted just over six minutes, and as there is dialogue/ voiceovers used constantly throughout the film, I think this a pretty good indication of how long the film will be.

Here are the recording clips. I unfortunately had a bit of a blonde moment while recording and adjusted the levels instead of the volume, which I am kicking myself about now. I realised as soon as we had finished recording but at least I know I won't make the same mistake again. If you're listening to the clips, turn up the volume.

Vegetarian Docu: Meeting with Lindsey

Today we met up with Lindsey, who responded to Victoria's Gumtree ad. I have worked with Lindsey with two other previous productions, so was happy to see her want to be involved because I know she is reliable.

Victoria made up a list of interview questions which she gave Lindsey, so that she would have an idea of the kind of things we'd be asking. She also received a copy of the proposal so she knew what the aim of the film.
Lindsey told us that her schedule was pretty much clear, provided we gave her some notice, which was great news in terms of scheduling for us.
Her response to the whole project was very positive, and she said that it was welcome opportunity to vent about some aspects of being a vegetarian, as she doesn't really get asked much in detail about it. This was the reaction we were hoping for- tackling the myths and stereotypes about vegetarianism- and she sounds like she will have plenty to talk about!

We were also meant to be meeting another potential subject, but unfortunately he couldn't make it as he was ill. We are hoping to reschedule our meeting with him for sometime next week.

What Richard Did

Our tutor suggested we watch "What Richard Did" as an example of believable and natural dialogue within a film. It is a fictional Irish film, looking at the life of golden boy, Richard Karlsen, part of the privileged set of Dublin teenagers. It was directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Malcolm Campbell.

From the opening scene, I could see immediately why my tutor had recommended we watch it. The dialogue- or banter- between the boys is so natural, it was immediately recognisable to me- I know people who actually talk this way. This makes you connect with the film a lot more because it seems more relatable.
The dialogue helps to set up the relationships between the characters, rather than trying to reveal anything significant about their backstory. Within the dialogue, characters talk over one another and mess up their words, and we get a glimpse into the very mundane, everyday conversations between people. This makes a refreshing change from the like of Hollywood films, where every sentence is carefully composed for a specific dramatic effect.
The dialogue definitely helps to play a huge part in creating the realism in this film, and there are some tips we can take for the writing of our script.

"Untitled" Production Meeting: 13/03/14

I received a draft of the script today, and that helped me to form a better idea of what the film was about.
As the writer/ director is having a bit of difficulty putting her vision into dialogue/ script format, our tutor suggested we have a readthrough with our actors to help spark some inspiration and to make sure that the dialogue between the characters so far is natural and believable. I also think a readthrough is neccessary to make sure that the actors are a good fit for their character roles.

We have scheduled a readthrough for next Tuesday, of which we will film an extract. Tomorrow I am going in to book out equipment, and make sure there is a room we can use.

It was also suggested ,that we have a lighting test because the film is to be within the film noir genre. We have decided to postpone this test until a later stage because we want to get a shot list developed and then try it out alongside the lighting.

First Production Meeting: "Untitled" Film

I met up with the Director/Writer during the week to get a better idea of the story: how many characters, what locations, any hard- to- get props/ costumes.

The way the script stands at the moment, there are three main characters:

1. Barney (Primary)
2. Candid (Secondary)
3. Femme (Tertiary)

We will need 2 main male characters  (early to mid twenties), and a female character (around that similar age).

Locations we need:

1. A flat: specifically use of a living room and hallway
2. An office
3. A cafe

Costumes/ Props wise there doesn't seem to be anything too difficult to source, however we do need to get a better idea of what kind of clothes and styling the costumes will have, as this is the type of film where the true character of the person will be very much hinted at through their outward appearance.

Production Work: So far "Untitled" film

I made up a rough schedule of the remaining weeks, just so we had a basic idea of what needed to be done.

Week Beginning	To Do/ Have done by Thursdays class	Additional Info
10th March	Script
17th March	Actors
24th March	Shot lists/ storyboards
31st March	Props/ Costumes.
7th April	Location sorted. Schedule. Crew. Equipment.
14th April		EASTER
21st April		EASTER
28th April	Editing
5th May	Editing
12th May	FINAL CUT DEADLINE

To Do

1.       Complete script

2.       Get actors

3.       Cast actors (Casting Call/ Read through)

4.       Finalise shots/ storyboards etc.

5.       Location/ Props/ Costumes

6.       Shooting schedule

7.       Equipment

8.       Crew

9.       Shooting Days

10.   Edit

Finding a subject for Vegetarian Documentary

Because the film is a documentary, "casting" for this type of film is a little different to casting for fiction films, however the methods are very similar.

For a documentary you have to find a person who fits into the topic you are looking at, so that the documentary is truthful and real life. This makes the process of finding someone a little easier, because for this film, the only requirement for the subject is that they are vegetarian- we don't really have any age/ appearance/ gender specific requirements.

However, it also can make it a little trickier, because as it is looking at someones real life and their lifestyle they might be reluctant to talk about it in detail.

Resources used
The Director/ Creator of the idea was quick of the mark, and having established the idea, took to social media to spread the word of the documentary and look for ideas, posting ads on gumtree and twitter.

We also designed a leaflet that we planned on putting up on some vegetarian restaurants, and composed a letter to MLA Jim Wells about the possibility of being involved in our film.

First Production Meeting: Thursday 6th March

Today I had my first official Production meeting with the director of the Vegetarian Film. We made up a schedule that will be subject to change:

Week Beginning	To Do/ Have Done by Thursday’s class	Additional Info
10th March	Leaflets handed out, look around for willing vegetarians. Have a couple of options by class. Treatment
17th March	Subject options- meeting? Have interview questions sorted.
24th March
31st March
7th April
14th April	POSSIBLE SHOOTING	EASTER
21st April	POSSIBLE SHOOTING	EASTER
28th April	Log all footage: check if any reshoot/ other footage needed. Begin Edit
5th May	Edit
12th May	DEADLINE FOR FINAL CUT OF FILM

We also figured out what exactly we have to sort out:

TO DO:

1.       Find a willing and reliable subject for documentary

2.       Have a backup just in case

3.       Meet with person and discuss interview questions etc.; finalise interview questions

4.       Location

5.       Ideas for camera shots/ script

6.       Shooting schedule

7.       Equipment

8.       Crew

9.       Shooting days

10.   Log footage and edit

Skills of a Producer

Key skills a producer should have:

The Role of Producer

From working as a Producer in last year’s Live TV Studio Drama “Steve McQueen” and as producer in our non-dialogue Comedy film, I feel I understand what it means to be a Producer, however I did some additional research as well just to make sure I wasn’t missing anything out.

 A producer’s job is to basically oversee all aspects of the film, from pre-production right through until post production. They have responsibility for making sure everything gets done, and within the deadlines.

 

The Typical Role of a Producer:

Development Stages: May be responsible for thinking of the simple premise of the production, or choosing the screenplay. They are then responsible for selecting the team that will bring the production to life- screenwriters and story editing team.

A producer will also been in charge of the financing aspect of the production, although obviously I will not have to do this within my role as producer because it is a non-budget student film.

 Pre- Production Stage: They are in charge of selecting the crew and team that will actually create the final film- for example: Director, Cinematographer. This differs slightly with my role as Producer as the Director had already been established in both the films I am producing. I will be in charge of making sure we have a competent crew who are available when we need to shoot. A producer also organises casting, and sources location, props and costumes where needed. Producers also work from a production schedule and make sure deadlines within pre-production are met to a high standard. They are in charge of the budget and final shooting script.

 Production Stage: Producers oversee the shoots and ensure that they run smoothly. They are expected to be able to respond to a problem efficiently, should one arise. They make sure the lines of communication within the team and crew are wide open so that nothing gets missed out and there is no confusion.  They are the first point of contact for people involved in any stages of the production.

 

 

 

 

Role

I have decided to have the role of Producer for our Final Year Film Projects. I decided to produce other people’s films rather than write/ direct my one film because I feel that with the documentary ideas I had, it might be too difficult to get people to talk onscreen about the topics.

Whilst I knew what I wanted my film to say, I didn’t have much idea of how it would look visually.

I think my skills lie more in the production side of film making. I am organised, responsible, and to a certain extent enjoy all the paperwork and planning that comes with bringing a project together. I am producing for both a fiction film and a documentary film so it will be interesting to work in both disciplines. I will look in more detail at the specific things a producer must do, and also the individual needs of each of the films I am producing, at a slightly later stage.