Reshooting: Final

After showing my peers and teachers my not-so-finished title sequence, I am glad with the much appreciated feedback, as its boosted me with the ideas needed that will help with the shooting.

In order to signify the journey of my protagonist from rags-to-riches, I location scouted to help convey this. Sticking out most to me was the shard situated in the heart of London. It's elegant design, immense height and overall stunning look I best believe it will aid me in proving Ruby's journey. I took about 5 takes from underneath the building, showing Ruby walking towards this, making it her goal. As well as shooting from far away with The Shard in the back to create that goal. Using steadicam and POV shots, it helped me in indicating my narrative, by focusing on a specific goal using a POV it allowed the idea of a set goal to come alive. The steadicam made the feel of us following her much more realistic.

Furthermore, I relied on luck to find me the best locations for my shoots (but closely sticking to the city's centre to keep that sophisticated yet business feel). Shooting my actor walking along the river's side with the beautiful skyline in the back reinforces the context and setting. Shooting my actor outside colourful buildings in order to create that vivid dream like state because I want dark colours at the beginning which slowly turns into the dramatic and the bursting of colours at the end.

I also shot public transport as that represents, "movement" or "journey" to aid my narrative of the journey of the protagonist. I purposely didn't choose to use the public transport at the end because I wanted the audience to know she has in fact reached her destination, which will let the movie go on.

On set: Meeting minutes

On Monday, I planned all things I needed to be done for the next day. By doing this, it allowed me more time to focus on filming efficiently.

 This is where I was shooting, just off Portobello Road. It suited the ideas in my head perfectly, I needed an estate / run-down and rough area to emphasise the poor conditions my protagonist lives in.





This is who's playing, "Ruby". The outfit indicates her urban attitude and look, wearing boots and a parka.























Today, Monday, 16th February, I have gone to North Kensington Library in order to write up a plan and as it's near my desired location, I was able to look around and take pictures. (see above).

So Today, (Tuesday 17th, February). I started off the day with packing my bag with the equipment. Ensuring everything is working, charged and ready-to-go. Leaving my house at 12pm, I got to my setting around 1pm. Staying there for an hour and a half, I was able to shoot 4 shots that include a POV shot, low angle and a panning left close-up. Compared to my first draft, I see a major improvement. Although, last time I didn't bring a tripod and unfortunately, it broke whilst shooting therefore I had to improvise immediately and use railings and concrete sides to support a steady shot. Nevertheless, the quality is adequate enough for my final piece.

First Draft

This is my first draft for my film, "Fixated" or "Livingstone" I still haven't decided on a title just yet. The first draft is terrible, spaced out and contains no soundtrack as it's my first time using Final Cut Pro and i'm also working alone.

Throughout, my positive feedback where my cinematography, framing and setting. They went into further detail verbally, stating my "Setting  and colours matched my genre" and that my "framing" was excellent. However, my not-so-good feedback that I need improve on it making my narrative more vivid, also that there's no soundtrack or credits.

I am currently struggling to find a soundtrack at the moment, especially one that's copyrighted. I really want an upbeat dreamy song as I believe it will make the genre seem more clearer. People didn't understand the genre as the shots were all scattered and did not make sense, I will be working on this. 

Treatment

I'm going to follow the guidelines of, coming of age / rags to riches story but with a twist.

The journey of self-discovery and determination is what Ruby Livingstone thrives off. Throughout her story, you see the constant darkness she lives in, often labelled of the "black sheep" from her family and even her society. She's an introvert who grips onto her dreams to rocket out of the poor conditions she's living in. Wanting to become significantly successful in London's centre of finance, she goes one step further to be as close with her dream; by constantly putting herself in that environment she dreams of. A life without struggle. Although, she is a "fish out of water" and much different than the people she desires to be around. Her full urban look doesn't match the 3-piece suit elegance that is out there. The heart-warming journey of how a dream can completely allow a girl to seek solace from.

Brief:
A girl wants to escape her poor life and break into a life without struggle.

Title change: Fixated

After the feedback from my peers, I gathered that the title, "livingstone" wasn't very memorable; also slightly cheesy. Alternatively, I had a backup title for my title sequence, "Fixated" the denotation of this word is:

fixate

fɪkˈseɪt/

verb

past tense: fixated; past participle: fixated

cause (someone) to develop an obsessive attachment to someone or something.

Considering my narrative, with my protagonist being obsessed with her dream, I believe this is the much better and suiting title. It's also quite rememberable.