R+P Post 18: Our test shoot

We completed a test shoot, carrying it out in the same way as we would the real one, to be able to fully see if our idea would work and any changes that would be need to be made.

Page 1 of our test shootboard

Overall, I think that the test shoot went well even though we did deviate slightly from the original plan. We changed the order in which we filmed some of the shots, for example we did all of the bedroom ones before those that were outside although we had planned to do this the other way around. We changed this because we realised that the actress would have to apply and remove her makeup too many times if we did it the original way. The order change really didn't make much of a difference though and we were still able to get everything done in time, most of which, when looked back on, we were very happy with. 

The test shoot very obviously highlighted for our group what went well and what we need to change for the final version and therefore has completely done its job.

Examples of shots I was happy with include:

I particularly liked this shot because visually, with the framing and colours, I think that it looks interesting and would capture the audience's attention in the 'getting ready' sequence. It also starts to give the audience an idea of the character's personality and traits as she confidently puts on her makeup.

I also liked this shot because the high angle and pan again makes the shot visually interesting whilst also adding another creepy element as the audience is following the completely unaware character's progress through the house.



The shots that have been highlighted as problems include the entire red herring sequence at the end as it is too confusing and contains a continuity error.

This sequence was supposed to build suspense and create tension but due to its confusing nature, it falls flat in achieving this.
For the actual shoot we have decided that we are going to change this part and keep both characters on the pavement and have the runner coming up behind her, perhaps even with some hand held camera work to emulate the stalker POV shots and build tension even more.

Clip showing the continuity error in our last two shots.

After we had finished the test shoot and put all the footage together, as a group we sat down and discussed areas for improvement before getting feedback from both of our teachers, the technician and other media students.

All of the pointers, from the staff, our friends and ourselves were then collected into a word document and can be seen below.

The feedback we got was very helpful and I think that if we can implement the changes our film opening could be really good.