Previsualization

This project marks the first time I have created storyboards and a marked shooting script. At first I was sure I'd ruin our overall vision of the project with my terrible drawing skills, but it surprisingly didn't turn out that bad. I'm quite proud of myself for not taking the easy road and drawing stick figures! Although one of the more tedious tasks, I'm so thankful storyboarding is a part of the pre-production process. I have a much better understanding for what exactly we'll be filming and I'll be able to easily reference the storyboards, along with the marked shooting script, overheads, shot list, etc., for a (hopefully) straightforward and productive shoot. Creating the marked shooting script was not as difficult as storyboarding; we had a vision in mind and just needed to express it in writing. The concept for our film involves delusional perceptions; this means that the image we see in POV (while the characters are on drugs) will not be the same as what we see in a more omniscient shot. It was tricky figuring out how to go about going from POV to OTS shot/reverse shot (for example) without making it too disorienting for the audience. After pitching our ideas on Wednesday, Ryne and I met to polish up and distinguish camera movement for the storyboards, time the script, and make a shot list for our shooting schedule. 

Being in the directing position for the first time was a bit intimidating at first, especially with other group members who are so much more knowledgeable and have more experience. However, I can't thank them enough; they've been a huge help and very patient with me in this learning process- I've learned so much already!

Had to share this.. my first attempt at drawing a unicorn..yikes my drawing skills need some improving!

Master Shot Sequence

For this upcoming film project, I have been assigned the director position. My participation thus far in the pre-production process has been interpreting the script and molding it to our film concept. I am also creating the marked shooting script and storyboards for production. As a group, we have found our location and blocked the script to get ideas for cinematography and lighting. In the upcoming weeks of production and post production, I will oversee the cinematography and technical aspects, making sure it reflects our overall vision.

I enjoy being in authoritative positions, however the project should be a culmination of everyone's vision and efforts, not just my own. It is especially important for me to make sure everyone is happy with the final product.


Our adaptation of the Bran and Park script will be quite comical. Bran and Park step away from a small get together to take some magic mushrooms. As the conversation unfolds, both Bran and Park's hallucinations become more and more bizarre; Bran is convinced he is talking to a unicorn and Park sees some unusual characters in the distance behind Bran. I won't reveal too much more, but I will say we are going to have a lot of fun with canted angles and POV shots..

Doc Interview Reflection

The filming experience for the documentary interview project was incredible. The chemistry between our group members was awesome, we all worked so well together! The staff at Hardwire Tattoo were very welcoming and gave us the freedom to film just about whatever and wherever we wanted. Jason and Mike, the two artists we interviewed, had the best personalities and were so fun to work with. We interviewed them during regular business hours, which meant working with the excess noise in the shop. We were especially unsure of how the buzzing from tattoo guns would affect the interview, but in the end we loved our footage and the buzzing wasn't overbearing (in fact we liked having it in the background, as it is part of the tattooing experience & a characteristic of the shop and artist). All in all, everything went smoothly and we didn't encounter any major issues!

We originally planned on filming our vox pops in downtown Wilmington, but unfortunately the city did not approve our request in time. We were able to get approval from Flaming Amy's Burrito Bar for the same shooting day and it went as planned from there. At first we were waiting around for customers leaving the restaurant and either people were not interested/in a hurry or they did not have tattoos; our vox pop questions were specifically for people who have tattoos/have a positive attitude towards them so we had to typecast a bit. Once we filmed our first interview, the rest followed shortly after. Filming did not take long at all and we did not have to make any lighting adjustments adjustments.

I'm absolutely heart broken that we have to cut our incredible footage down to 2 minutes! We met some great people through this project and they provided us with amazing material. It will be difficult, but it makes me more excited for the final cut.

Expert Interview: Production Scheduling & Storyboards

Production Schedule for Expert Interview
Location: Hardwire Tattoo
Expert Interview(s): Jason Moore, Mike Merck

Friday, February 1, 2013
1:30 pm- arrive at Hardwire, begin equipment set up for first interview with Mike Merck [at stenciling station]
1:30pm-3:00 pm- film interview with Mike Merck (needs to finish before tattoo appointment at 3:30)
3:00 pm- Grace's tattoo appointment with Jason (B-Roll), set up equipment for Jason's Interview [in his work station]
4:00 pm- film interview with Jason Moore
After 2nd interview, film interior of shop for B-Roll, establishing shot of shop exterior
Wrap by 6:00pm

Story board for Mike's Interview