Filming (Week 9)

Week 9

For this week, we consulted with our lecturer, Mr. Alan, about our project. He gave some suggestions and reminders of lighting, HDRI capture, camera angles and shot types, track points,... There are some shots that he thinks aren't very necessary and can be difficult to do, such as the chasing scene. He also suggested to add some shots, such as close up of the person stealing the toy, and he wants to see how the hat transitions from cg to real when the person snatch it. After the consultation, we discussed with the BM side and we agreed to try Mr. Alan's feedbacks out.

We decided to try finish filming in week 9 because this is the only week that our actor can be free to help us. At first, we chose to film on wednesday, thursday and saturday, since those were the only days that everyone is free. However, there was complications in booking the equipments, and there's not enough on wednesday for us to use. Therefore, instead of filming on wednesday, we moved it to thursday instead. However, we made use of our time on wednesday to practice filming and discussing about the 2D scenes for the flashback, as well as getting to know our actor more.

Bruise and bloody makeup for the actor

On thursday and friday we filmed at G204, which is the creative cube room for the cg environment scene. On the animation side, I was directing and give opinions on how to shoot the shots, the rest of the team helped me measuring the camera height and distance from camera to actor, we aid each other in creating suitable lighting, and try to find answers to some complications that arise. For example, questions like: will it be difficult if we import this camera position and angle in Unreal Engine? How to measure camera tilt angle? What camera settings should we use?

Me measuring the camera height

Lynn holding the reflector while Clarence adjusted the lights

For the BM side, Clarence and Kay was the main directors while Kayla record sound. They were performing well and did their best to make the film look good. Both sides work well together now, and the collaboration is improving, we communicate more, and engage with the discussions and conversation better. Everyone is doing their best to help each other and make progress. The BM side offered to aid us in compiling the videos after filming, and help us color grading, add sounds to the film when we're done with the animation and cgi.

Kay holding the slate in front of actor

On saturday, we filmed at the haji lane location, the area opposite Green Apple Spa. The BM insisted that we should film from 9:00 PM to 5:00 Am, since that's the time period that is least crowded and not noisy, also the dark lighting can make the film to look more sinister and scary, which is what we're looking for.

However, me and Lynn only stay until 11:30 PM, since our places have curfew and it's far from where we are shooting, and I'm afraid that there won't be any transportation method to go home, like bus and mrt will be closed. Moreover, I couldn't stay awake until 5:00 AM, and I'm afraid I won't be able to direct properly. Therefore, I decided to write detailed instructions and redraw the storyboard to fit with what we need, and what the lecturers wanted. My teammate, Nara stayed with the BM and tried to direct them according to my instructions. I helped in bringing and setting up the props, as well as capturing the HDRI lighting of the real environment.

The booth design

Me (in white shirt) setting up the table with Nara