Group: Production Log - Wilderness Woods

What did we learn from our filming experience?

• We learnt the utility of planning our shots, camera angles, and what happens in each scene - prior to filming. This allowed us to systematically go through the scenes one by one, following precise instructions already written - so that we ensured we had a complete range of camera angles. This system of planning our sequence also meant that we have an exact order of events - which will make editing easier, as we can arrange the clips (often filmed in a different order), in the right place.
• This experience has given us a sound knowledge of how to set up equipment including the tracks for the tracking shot, and how to fix the camera on to the Cam-Frame.

How has it influenced ideas for our production?

• Our Wilderness Woods production, being a psychological horror, is heavy reliant on special editing effects - we have now realised how time consuming detailed editing takes - so we may have to avoid attempting to film a psychological horror for our production, and concentrate on creating a commendable production through camera angles, iconic mis-en-scene, and sound.
• This experience has provided us with the knowledge of the necessity of effective time management - to ensure that all parts of the production are complete. For example - we split the day into three equal segments to ensure we put equal effort into the start, middle, and end of the short film.

Which techniques worked?

• The Cam-Frame proved a useful device for creating a steady, smooth camera flow when using a POV shot. This means that a useful camera shot can be used effectively. A POV shot was useful as we were able to show what the protagonist was experiencing - in this case; events different from reality because of the mushroom he ate in the forest.
• Our decision to use two 360 pan's one after another, we have agreed on, was effective - as it sufficiently revealed the passing of time, whereby during the first pan there are two characters, and the second pan the protagonist is left alone to the horrors of the forest.

Explain why some techniques didn't work?

• We found the tracking shot difficult to execute, mainly due to the bumpy terrain meaning the camera had to be pushed very slowly, meaning this camera movement was ineffective in producing the desired effect - of following the two actors. We can learn from this, however, and when we use a tracking shot for our final production we will ensure the terrain is flat.