Short Film: 'Photograph 1'
Day 1: For the first day of work experience, I arrived on set and got to know the crew I would be working with. My initial task was to help move props around and set up the set seen in the photos above. This was the Dark Room in the film where the actors/characters would develop the photos. This was my first time setting up a real-life set that would be used in a film and therefore was very exciting. I then went on to making fake cigarettes, and fake whiskey out of black tea as well as printing prints and photos using elements of Photoshop for the set. I found this fascinating because as a viewer when watching a film, we never even consider these small elements that an art department carry out to make the film come to life. I also learned how the different film departments co-depend and cooperate with one another to create the film.
Day 2: This was my favourite day out of the week as we worked on location in Danesfield Manor House. The scenery and setting was breath-taking. My favourite set was in the pink ballroom used as a make-up/dressing room in the film with a singular beautiful dressing table placed in the big room for effect. My role for this day was to mainly be where the filming was taken place stepping in whenever the art department was called for assistance. I felt like I formed a strong rapport between me and the other film crew particularly the 1st AD. I felt this was really helpful in getting to know the other roles in the filming process beyond the Art Department. Along with this, I also had to create floral displays using real flowers- something of which I had never done before. I also had to help dress the sets, considering lighting and features of the period property.
Day 3: Again, we filmed on location in Wycombe theatre in the old 'OAKROOM' located above the main stage. This room was chosen due to its large floor to ceiling windows and oak panelling, perfect for a photographers studio which this room was used for in the film. I had to arrive on set with the Production Designer before the rest of the crew to ensure the location was dressed and all set up ready to start filming. I had to assemble and place props in accordance with the Production Designer's designs as seen in the photo of the round table along with making fake whiskey out of black tea and arranging props. I also had the opportunity to use some of the equipment such as lighting and the walky-talkies used to communicate. As the short film was shot using old film, I learnt that at the end of every take, we had to check the gate on the camera to ensure there was no dust or hair that would mess up the footage.
Day 4: For the last day, we shot in the same location, continuing on the day from before. However, this time is was shot from the female actors perspective rather than the leading males and so the camera and scenes were in reverse. I am excited to see how this perspective will turn out once it has been through editing. Overall I really enjoyed this work experience even though we worked 14 hour days and I got to work with an amazing team as seen in the photo above- some of which I have remained in contact with and I hope to work with them in future projects!
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