Poet, Bastille: First Draft

This is my first draft edit, using only th footage that I had available at the time. The black blank spots indicate that no footage was available to bridge the gap.

Filming Process: Studio

Insert YouTube Video

Risk Assessment: Studio

Location

As mentioned in my treatment, I want to use two and possibly three locations. A field or natural setting. Something to contrast this, like a city or at least a built-up area. I may also use a studio space or create something similar.

Field:

First I set about finding a field. This was fairly easy as there are many to choose from in the area. However my final decision will have to take into consideration how far away my actor will have to travel.

Starting with fields surrounding the school seemed like a good idea. This would make giving directions easier and the possibility of shooting before or after school rather than at the weekend. Bethany, also in search of a nearby field for her own project, accompanied me.

We checked out two, this being the first:

(Insert images: At School)

We soon realised that this was an impractical place to film. These fields were uneven and would be very difficult to walk around and place a tripod on.The smell of fertilisers was not that great either.

The second place we went to, still close to school grounds, was more out of the way and as a result a lot more lush:

(Insert images: At School)

However, I was not after a lush, green look. If all does not go to plan, this would not be a bad spot to film as it is quiet, so I will not discount it.

I then continued my search alone, coming across this more dense area:

(Insert images: From last year)

This is where I filmed my thriller last year. It is further away than the previous two locations and may only be practical if my actor lives nearby. It is attached to a playing field and children's play park, and so could get quite busy at certain times in the day. However at the current time of year, getting disturbed by members of the public may not be quite a concern.

My last field location is by far by favourite:

(Insert images: Need to be taken)

This location is also not too far away from school and it alot clearer than the other locations. There is even a clear line of the horizon. The gound is a lot more even to walk around on. However the location is next to a main road and subject to dog walkers.

City:

I decided that I wanted to find a place in town with less footfall and therefore less chances of disturbances due to the public. I visited many places:

Studio:

There is a posibility that several students will be able to go back to the studio space that we all used for our prelim tasks.

If this is not possible then I will use the Drama spaces on site in school. This may be a more practical choice anyway.

Location Permission

The city locations that I am interested in using are all public spaces.

The field location that I am interested in using is commonly used by members of the local community as a shortcut or to walk dogs.

The drama studio has been booked out for the time I am recording by speaking to the head of Drama.

Props

As my video will by all performance based, there are considerably less props than perhpas a narrative led video where extensive set dressing may be required. I hope that having less props will give me more time to focus on the camerawork and directing.

As part of this performance I will be using a guitar, to be used in the studio setting:

A guitar is used in the track that I am using, and so the visual of a guitar makes the sound diegetic. Whether or not my actor can actually play the guitar is not greatly important, as I do not plan it to be a standout feature in the video.

The image of a performer using a guitar and vocals at the same time is greatly used in both videos and live performances. It's popularity is one of the reasons why I am keen to follow this trend. The more melancholic tone in some parts of my track also seems very fitting with this.

In terms of sourcing this prop I will ask my actor if he already owns one, otherwise I will ask for permission from a music student to borrow theirs for the shoot, who already has the instrument on site.

The next prop is a piece of paper:

In fact, card may be a more durable option. Either a postcard or greetings card size would be ideal. This will be in use when shooting in the city.

There are many references to poetry, love letters, words and related things in the chosen track. There are also suggestions of being left behind. Perhaps the persona is clinging to a postcard from a loved one or writing a love letter? I wanted to portray this subtly in my video.

As the meaning of the track and these references are ambiguous I also wanted to leave this open for the audience of my own video. The paper will never be shown fully, it is merely there to represent the related mentions in the song and perhaps suggest certain back stories.

Sourcing this should not be a diffiuculty. Perhaps I could use this prop to my advantage and write the lyrics of the song on it, making it a little easier for my actor.

Costume

I plan on having three separate outfits for my three locations. These ideas will be subject to change as I will need to consult my performer depending on what he will be able to get hold of. I will present my ideas to him using these moodboards I have created.

With all the costumes I have tried to stick to the 'indie' theme and releated dress code, very much fitting for Bastille.

The first costume is for the field:

The backdrop for the field shots will hopefully be during sunrise, and the setting will obviously be natural. I want this warmth to reflect in the costume, by using a mostly warm and earthy colour palette. The costume also needs to be quite casual, to contrast the next setting. This can be achieved by using fabrics that hang well and by choosing some oversized pieces, such as the jacket.

The second costume is for the city:

I want this costume to be darker and more formal, still conforming to the 'indie' genre. Perhaps a long black coat, a blue shirt buttoned up to the top and doc martins.

The third outfit will be for the studio...