LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!

Location scouting was an important process in the pre-production stage as it sparked ideas regarding potential shot compositions and production design. I took a few photographs within the house, as well as the outdoor areas, paying particular attention to the placement of the lighting, camera and props. This enabled me to consider what aspects would work for the film and what wouldn't. 

Few brief ideas constructed: 

Scene: Michael walks into the living room after his dinner and a long day at work.

Potential master shot:

I thought this composition would be visually striking for the audience but it also centralises Michael as he walks towards the camera onto the sofa, which would presumably build sympathy for the character. 

Potential shot within the scene:

I felt that placing the camera directly in front of Michael will draw the viewers closer to the character, whereby they gain a better insight into his unhappy state. 

Mirrors: 

When I saw the large mirror in the master bedroom, I felt that this could be used as a symbol for identity in our film. 

I used Rose (editor) as a stand in for the images below.

EXAMPLE: 

Scene:  Michael sits on his bed and looks out the window, then walks out the room.

I thought of potentially filming this scene through the mirror, and have Michael glance at himself in the mirror in a displeasing way before walking out of frame. 

Scene: Michael discovers a box of childhood items

Like the beginning, I thought I could similarly film this scene from the mirror, showing Michael inspecting the items of his youth. However, here the mirror represents him rediscovering his identity as he reconnects with his inner child. 

A) Beginning 

B) End

After viewing these photographs side by side, I thought they would work well together as shots, linking the beginning to the end and signifying a development in the plot. The first image above represents Michael in his state of isolation, as he walks past the mirror and briefly glances at himself in despair. However, image B represents Michael sitting down on the bed facing the mirror, however this time he glances happily in the mirror as he reconnects with his youth by looking through a box of his childhood memories.  Michael begins to thoroughly examine himself in the mirror, showing that he finally accepts himself as an older man. 

Location scouting: outdoor areas 

 The outdoor areas in Holmfirth were stunning and presented a great number of possibilities for shots. I have gained a few ideas for establishing shots shot compositions and camera movement for when the man and boy have adventures through nature. 

Potential location where Michael and the young boy throw stones

Potential establishing shot 

Potential establishing shot and location where Michael and boy sail boats

Potential sword fight scene

Our group realised that due to the fact that it was extremely cold and windy, we should condense our outdoor scenes and to stick to the production schedule, especially as we were working with a 

child actor.