Depict Evaluation

For this task we were set with the task of creating a 90 second short. Which could be based on anything we wanted as long as it was no longer than 90 seconds. The main idea was that we where creating a short that could be entered into the Depict! competition.

We brainstormed a couple of ideas on a A3 mind map and then sat and decided which idea we could develop more and make it seem more interesting. Out of all the ideas we decided to go for Mime who was trapped in a glass box. But instead of the Mime being trapped in an imaginary box we played with the idea that they are trapped in a literal box but they don't realise it. In terms of the character we decided to make them act really stupid and make them walk in big movements. We thought this idea was the best out of all of them as in college we had a corridor that was pure glass so we could use that to make it look like they where generally stuck in a box.

In terms of planning we had created a Production schedule where we documented what scenes we where recording and who is involved in the scene. For this I was the main one who created and put together the document however others in my group did put their input in. When it comes to the other pre-production planning I feel I didn't pull my weight as much as I could of but this was due to missing lots of lessons during this stage for university visits.

I think that our finished short didn't fully reflect the planning we did. I think this was because we had so many issues with the location. Issues like vending machines being filled up very slowly which took up half of our shot so we wasted time waiting them to finish. But due to this we then had to rush filming to ensure that we met the deadline meaning that we missed scenes out. Another change we made was the main character. Originally we where having a mime who was wearing the stereotypical white face paint and the white shirt and braces but we then changed the character to a clown in a costume with bright purple hair. We did this as the member of the group who was playing the mime didn't feel comfortable playing the part and also the face paint took 20 minutes out of our hour and a half sessions so the character change allowed us to utilise our time more wisely.

Despite all the issues we faced overall I think the project went quite well. One part I though was  successful was the Reflection scene. This scene was at the very end and showed the "Mime" waving to the hidden camera. This scene was particularly hard to film due to the reflection from the window. We wanted the scene to have a glare from the window so we could show that the mime was outside. But we still wanted the inside of the building to be noticeable and in focus. The issues we faced within this scene was getting the camera to focus on the outer window as automatically the camera wanted to focus on the door that was inside. for this reason I think this scene was the most successful as we didn't give up we placed the camera is several different positions until we eventually got the scene.

Another thing I think was successful within our film was the use of our location. As although it was just a basic corridor there was still a lot of obstacles that could obstruct our shot i.e. vending machines and paper. We manged to place our camera directly in the middle of the corridor without getting any obstructions in while making the room still look big which we wanted as this gave the effect that the mime was stuck in a box.


But like all things, there is somethings I feel we could improve. The first thing is ensuring the camera is always in focus. There is one part in the film that I felt really dampens the film and that is the part where the mime walks right up to the camera. I dislike this element as it makes the film looked rushed but also it makes the facial expressions unclear and hard to read.

Another thing I would add if we where to redo this project is I would add more props and things that the mime has to climb and battle through. As I feel this would make the idea of the mime being trapped more obvious and more easier for people to understand the storyline as I feel like at the moment it just looks like someone messing around instead of them actually trying to escape. Props like boxes or barriers would help as at the moment the only time you realise that they are trying to escape is when the mime opens the door.  

Overall I personally enjoyed this project. As when we started this project I had never used a camera to film so I had no idea what settings where what. Over the course of this project I have become more confident with using a camera and ensuring it is set up right for filming. I also enjoyed being able to get to know some of my classmates that I wouldn't usually talk to.