7/9 Was the first day of shooting on Leeana's short film suspicions. Lee wanted me to co-Direct and I was only glad to oblige. She was a bit nervous for her first shooting day, which is understandable. Steven Woller and Andrew Frith Porter were the main actors along with Krystal Kennard. During the first day I took a lot on me and Lee was silently observing in the background. The only issue I had during that day was the GYB shot as it took some time to set up. Now in my short film last year we had not much time or place to set that up. But worked very well, although it did not work on this shoot. So I felt that the schedule was getting behind as I wanted to have a GYB shot. But during lunch time I got through my frustration and managed to get myself back on track and onto the shoot again.
8/9 Today was a day when there were children involved and like they say animals and kids are always troublesome in shoots. Although the kids featured in a park during the film shoot and at night they had to cuddle with their actor dad. We were very lucky in that they were so tired they played that part very well. A problem has arisen with a location that involved a garage that we could not use. But we decided to have another garage to replace our location. Which worked out well as there was more space in the new location. Leeana was getting more used to working with actors and the crew at this stage.
9/9 Full on day. First up was a few scenes at a jewellery store and that was quit well organised. The owner was away for a bereavement so the assistant was a little bit hesitant but in the end he gave us access to the shop. Next up was the arrival of the classic car from Hayes department store. Everybody took selfies and admired the vehicle. A few scenes that were shot from the view point of one of the actors while driving. This was during the night time and what I've noticed is; there is not much room in a car with crew members. As I've also got quit a few scenes in a car, so I might be having second thoughts about shooting outside. And I'd rather got for an underground parking space. By this day Leeana had her part of co-Director well down and I took a step back. Mostly noticing small thing here and there that I would mention.
Jewellery shop.
Arrival of the classic car.
Action.
Holding for sound.
Drive by night.
10/9 The last day of shooting and most scenes were filmed in the garage. I took us some time to find the right angles and sorting out the 180 degree rule. By the fourth day Leeana was very good at her job and immersed herself as a Director.
You might notice a few props for Bones of Essimar.
2 of the main actors.
Andrew Frith Porter & Steven Woller.
I had to leave early as me and Ash Bartlett were going to set up our gear for the Basketball game at the Southland stadium.
11/9 Filming a live game has its own rewards the adrenaline goes up a notch and noticing the players and interaction its all quit new for me. Especially keeping everything in frame and make a good shot.
Lone Star restaurant wanted a few people to be focussed on the big screen. Those that are lucky enough got a free voucher from Lone Star. Now it was my task to find those people in the audience one male and female and a youngster from 10 and up. Now I looked before that moment was going to come and had my 3 people in mind. But then the stadium was getting pretty full and I lost track of them. So during the moment I tracked through the audience and quickly zoomed in on a certain person. Which was a lot of fun.
12/9 I was DOP on Kim's shoot and that for me caused some anxiety. I've had not been able to get hands on with the F-55 and I did not want to let Kim down. It was great fun to once again work with Meadow Bodkin Allen from our third year project, she's a very talented girl. The day was very sunny so we were very lucky. I got some nice frames and I hope it will work out for Kim.
13/9 On Saturday I got home and crashed majorly as I was very tired from being busy a whole week. So with Sunday I was quit rested and ready for another shooting day. Which we shot in the Basilica of Invercargill which was quit a task as the sound lifted and became quit hollow. But it is a great location to shot in and I was quit amazed that Kim got the permission to shoot there.
During our lunch break I wandered around and took some photos of the church and got inspired. So much so that I've decided to make my next photography assignment to be situated in a church. When we dropped the gear of I took a quick photo of the elevator, again, at SIT. To remind me I am filming in it. There is also an elevator at the main campus but logistically I'll have to look at how that might be possible to film there.
19/9 Was my staring role on Corey's production and I played the psychiatrist that interviews the dynamic duo. Great to again do some acting and specially with Tyler leaving it was great to be on the other side of the camera. In my script there is a moment where the kidnappers drop of Norma and during my rehearsals at Corey's house I felt it would be the right place to film it there. With an optional back window where I can frame Walter and have George in the background. And the bathroom has a mirror that can be used in the other scene.
Blog out.
