Pre-Production- Cinematographer’s Journal

Summary

Throughout the production process, the role of the cinematographer is to control the lighting an increase the tension with various camera angles and movements.

Tracking Shot #72 Film Example: Dunkirk

I plan to use this by tracking Alice when she is walking to the table.

Close-Up Shot #58 Film Example: Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows

I plan to use this by doing a close-up of Alice in a graduation cap. I also plan to incorporate it after Alice realizes it was all a dream.

Pan Shot #68 Film Example: Magnolia

I plan to pan from the phone with the date to Alices face.

Zoom Shot Film Example: Vertigo

Test Shots

Lighting Tests

Equipment Checklist

Phone/Camera

No necessary added light, filming location is in cafeteria which is lit enough to create a good quality shot

Table

Notebooks, paper, pencils for assignments

Diploma

Cap and Gown

Second Phone to be used as a prop

Collaboration with Director

Discussed costuming, and props such as having a table in the scene to portray the characters work space (mine-en scene), location ideas – decided on the cafeteria, as well as any necessary lighting needed with director during the brainstorming process – we didn’t feel any added lighting was needed as the cafeteria is already well lit due to the sky lights.

Set-up Sequence Workflow

  1. Set up table in corner of cafeteria
  2. Grab phone to record
  3. Set up audio with boom stick and mic
  4. Ensure phone is focused
  5. Begin recording

Map of Each Location

Storyboard Notation

What I Learned

Throughout pre-production my team and I had to brainstorm various ideas and techniques we could use to help raise tension in the film. We struggled to create ideas that would make a film relatable to the audience. However, through talking about what we were experiencing as seniors, we eventually settled on the feeling of “senioritis.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *