Understanding the GH4 - Studio Shoot

Our group have decided that we want to shoot our film using the Panasonic Lumix GH4 camera. I decided to do some research into the cameras features and why it is beneficial for us to use. 

"The Lumix GH4 raises both moving and still images to a breathtaking new peak of quality. 4K video recording capability adds to the amazing potential of this camera for innovative image creators."

Some incredible features of the GH4 include:

• V Log L recording for precise color grading - meaning a wider dynamic range for color grading in the post production process

• Extended video recording time - ultra high bitrate video recording compared to its rival cameras, free to choose format of video

• High resolution and 4K video capturing - increasing definition to new standards

• Duel OLED displays - achieving a high speed response with minimal time lag whilst enhancing the resolution

• Contrast AF with DFD technology - the contrast AF system is advanced with the DFD technology (depth from defocus) which shortens the focus time, improvements benefit more as focal length increases

• Video creation to meet pro quality - meeting professional quality and standard with the capability of 4K video

• More professional video functions - zebra pattern, master pedestal, cinelike gamma, synchro scan, centre marker, color bars, 1kHz test tone, time code

Also, as I described in a previous post, after being inducted into the cameras we decided on using the GH4 as we know the new technology will benefit us not only in filming, but also in post production editing.

I think choosing to use the GH4 is a really good idea, not only because of the technology it offers, but also because we haven't used this camera before so it's a challenge to get to grips with it and produce a really good film using this camera. 

Treatment and Synopsis - Studio Shoot

Synopsis

Group A will be using Gregory Crewdson’s image ‘Basement’ from the Cathedral of the Pine series to create an abstract narrative based short film roughly spanning three minutes. Based off the saying ‘two sides of the same coin’ we shall explore a sibling relationship that harbours a sinister side. Through sweeping associative colour we aim to craft a piece that leaves the viewer to question, ‘how a combination of people could survive together’ before hopefully pulling the rug right out from under the viewer, with a reveal that requires a second re-watch to pick up on the context clues. Through experimenting with tension through sound, camera movement/ playback and colour we shall capture the rise and fall of sibling rivalry that dates back to Cane and Abel.

Cast

Girl

• Teenage
• Younger
• Stubborn

Sister is a 16-18 year old girl with similar features hair/eye colour to Brother (to be decided). While she loves the thrill and adrenaline of crime, she treats the whole thing like a game, which she always meticulously plans. Her brother is like a best friend and a father figure to her as she always wants to learn from his experiences but loves to wind him up to gain a reaction. Due to the big male influence in her life, she tends to act more masculine but is still more gentle in her movements, although her energy causes her to fidget and play around a lot more than the average person. She dresses in her brothers oversized shirts and her trainers are scuffed and tatty, but that’s what she is comfortable in and she feels more connected with her brother in his clothes.

Boy

• Older, early 20s
• Protective
• Channels passion/love through anger
• Serious

Brother is in his early 20’s and fiercely protective of his sister. He never wanted her to become what he has, but he is thankful for the company and the bonding that their activities bring. Growing up with crime he has always been told to never let his mask slip and he should always be strong and take charge, emotions shouldn’t be obvious, so when he tries to show his love or his happiness he either becomes crazed or angered. His jobs should always be taken seriously or else something could go wrong, which is where he comes to head with his sister a lot as she doesn’t understand the pressure and seriousness of the situations. As his sister is younger, he knows she doesn’t have as much experience as he does so he protects her and tries to shield her from becoming as emotionally undeveloped as he has.

Shot List - Studio Shoot

1.     Slow Pan/Wide Angle : Camera would slowly pan into the set

2.     Close- up/Right Pan: Close up of brother moving piece, would then pan round to show the reaction of sister

3.     Tracking Shot: Camera would start in close up of sister, then pan out as she does her move, then pan the left to show the chess piece being chucked at his face

4.     Mid Shot from right side of table

5.     Close up/tracking shot of face, then to hands as she pushes pieces off one by one

6.     Mid shot/ over head tracking from left side (brothers perspective), camera would slowly move towards the back of the character and climb above the characters head so we have a birds eye view

7.     Mid shot/ Centred shot: As the sister raises her eyebrows and takes king again.

8.     Overhead Close Up: Of chess Board and “Prizes”

9.     Mid shot/ Centred Shot : She takes M&M

10.  Close up: Of the packet and M&M coming out of packet

11.  Mid Shot/Centred Shot: As she chucks M and M in the air and cathes it with her mouth.

12.  Close Up: Of his hands tensing

13.  Overhead Close Up: Grabs Necklace

14.  Low Mid Shot: Of her fidgeting with necklace (Check Story board)

15.  Low Quadrant, mid shot: Of him looing nervous, in the background is a poster of a film (TBC)

16.  Mid to Close up/Centred shot: Of her noticing him looking nervous

17.  Mid Shot from right side: Of him reaching out towards her to get to her to put the necklace down

18.  Close Up: of her putting locket in her mouth

19.  Mid Shot/ Sideways Pan from left to right as she jumps over sofa to head to right corner  

20.  Mid tracking shot from behind the brother’s right shoulder: Sister in ball in the corner

21.  Wide/panning shot: Mirrors beginning but this time he is lounging on the sofa

22.  Close up: As you see him looking down he looks up at the camera, directly into it

Camera Induction

SAMURAI BLADE
External monitor and recorder
Gives more grading control in editing, will "pull out more" from the footage

SONY EX3
Camera
Can also have a zoom lens attached

LUMIX GH4
Camera

We have decided that we want to use the Lumix GH4 for our shoot, as it will be better fitted to our set and what shots we want to have. It's also really good in low lighting situations, which will be helpful in the studio if we are only using overhead lights or for close up shots.

Acting Workshop

Today we had an acting workshop to help us understand how to work with actors and direct them for our studio shoot.

I think it was helpful in giving us an idea of what needs to be organized before we can even begin to work with actors, such as having the set and lighting completely set up before you call the actors in, thinking about the duration of the scenes and the shoot day, make sure there is a progression of emotion and don't allow time for disinterest.

It also helped to explain how to conduct proper character development so that we can give our actors a proper sense of the character they will be playing.

• give context as to why a character is acting a certain way
• give understanding of the character in the bigger picture
• order of priority regarding emotions
• length of the scene
• attention to detail

GOOD CHARACTER PREP

AGE: weakness, stiffness, energy

HEALTH: illness, sleeping habits, breathing

OCCUPATION: jobs, education

FINANCIAL: money issues affecting personality

MARITAL STATUS

CLASS: family, background

EDUCATION: student, job, debts

HABITS: drinking, smoking, drugs

HOBBIES: time management, interests

NATIONALITY

GEOGRAPHICAL: city, coastal

RELIGION: upbringing, guilts, practicing or not

POLITICS

PSYCHOLOGICAL: self esteem, personality, energy, temperament

PHYSIQUE: height, build

Studio Shoot

The Studio Shoot is another one of our projects this term. We will be working in two groups, building a set, completely constructing a script for a short film and then shooting this to be edited in the new year.

I am working in Group A, and my role is with the camera team, as Digital Imaging Technician. This includes:

• Ensuring a digital camera is being used to produce high quality images
• Making sure all footage is secured and backed up, and creating dailies for the director and Director of Photography to view
• Understanding the ins and outs of digital cinematography
• Have a good eye for color
• Provide support for the camera team to ensure we deliver the best images possible

I am really excited to begin the Studio Shoot as it sounds like a good opportunity to work with my peers on a set, creating our own film.

Our film is going to be based on the photograph Basement by Gregory Crewdson. 

In our initial ideas we have decided that we want to pretty much recreate the set to look like the layout of this photograph, a smaller and more cramped set will help set the tone of what we want to portray with our film. 

We don't want any communication between the actors, but will use the props to establish a relationship between the two.

We want our shots to be pretty static, with a lot of varied shots from wide shots to extreme close ups.

Our general idea is to capture the 5 stages of grief throughout the film, making it seem like a continuous loop. 

As we continue to meet and develop our ideas obviously things will change, but I am confident that we will be able to make a really exciting film.