Pre-Production - Online
During a large part of the pre-production of our Opening scene, we were working from home during the COVID-19 lockdown. In order to work together as a group efficiently and ensure we communicated during our initial stages of collaboration, and in order to research and collect information, we used a variety of online sources.
Snapchat and Whatsapp
I created a group chat on the app Snapchat where we used the video chat feature. This is where we called and collaborated over our initial opening sequence ideas and discussed the feedback we received, which was vital in keeping us on track while being unable to meet in person. We used Whatsapp to exchange pictures and videos as a group since the chat feature on Whatsapp does not reduce the quality of photos or documents.
Google Drive
We as a team used Google Drive a lot in our pre-production because it was something we could work on all at the same time as a team, using the share document feature. This was useful when we created our shot-list and storyboard because we were all able to collaborate and comment together.
Amazon
We used amazon in order to search and order props online, their quick delivery service and affordable prices meant we were able to select, order, and ship our props early and have them prepared for the shoot day. Most notably, we bought our fake blood from Amazon, which is what we used to make the man in our scene look shocking and gory. This was a much better option than making it ourselves, as this came pre-made and provided less hassle on shooting day.
Google and IMDB
In order to do our own independent research, I used online websites such as Google to research and find images that convey the tone of our concept, which I then made into a mood board using the Google Slides website. Google and IMDB also helped me in my research, when I was able to research further into films similar to mine through tone and genre and look at their statistics and ratings, which helped me predict our own. I used google because I found it was the most, user-friendly of the search engines available.
YouTube
I used youtube to do further independent research. On this website, I was able to analyze scenes from other films, such as the elevator scene from Drive. I would also use it as a form of research; it was a great tool to find informative videos, for example, videos on Saul Bass for my research on him and his work. The wide variety of information and sources was appealing to me.
Pre-Production - Software and Hardware
SOFTWARE
Zoom
Much like Snapchat, we used Zoom to work together as a team, this software provided us the tools to work face to face during the lockdown. We used this virtually interchangeably with other forms of video call, however, when using Zoom we were able to share our screens and practice presenting our ideas and presentations in a mock-classroom setting since it held all the same features as our online schooling.
iMovie
When editing our test shoot, it was convenient to use the software iMovie, since it came pre-downloaded on most of my devices and contained all the basic editing tools we needed for the rough-cut. I was able to edit on the same device I had shot with, and could export the edited file easily to other devices and upload it to youtube.
HARDWARE
Moblie Phones
I used my iPhone 11, it was a great tool in communicating with my group throughout the entire production process, we were able to video chat, send information, and schedule group meetings using this device. I took pictures and videos using my phone’s camera exploring composition and the 180-degree rule. I was also able to shoot and edit together a small 30-second sequence exploring these fundamentals while using my phone. I took all of my notes and pictures during the practical workshops using the notes app and my camera, which I was then able to look back on when I needed to.
iPad
During the test shoot, I used my iPad to film and edit, since the files could be edited from the same device they were shot from. I also used this device to take pictures of our location and do further research as the Ipad is more video orientated. On this device, I used a variety of apps and software such as Google Chrome, Google Drive, iMovie, and the Camera app.
Computers/Laptops
I used my MacBook Air to research independently on the internet and collaborated as a team on shared documents; my laptop was portable and held files full of the pictures and videos I used throughout the pre-production process. This device was where I wrote my blog posts on Blogger, uploaded them to Youtube, and researched on Google and IMDB. I was also able to use the Airdrop feature to transfer all my documents, pictures, and videos to a backup file which I kept on my computer. During the Dialogue Workshops, we also practiced using Premiere Pro for the first time on a Mac Pro 6.