https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZELSIQF6P73PQq0JXvHaHhp9sKK41gl8
Production Management Task.
‘The primary functions of setting are to establish time and place, to introduce ideas and themes, and to create mood’ (Pramaggiore and Wallis, 2015, p. 96). Therefore it is important to get the correct locations, as the perfect setting can make a film more effective for an audience. If the audience understand where the film is taking place they will be able to either understand better why things are happening the way they are, or it will help them relate to the locations.
The locations chosen in this task for the short film Alligator Blood was a family house, a normal looking house down a normal looking street that people will see and could be their neighbour’s house. This familiarity immediately makes the film feel personal and close to home (no pun intended). ‘Selecting the right location is the first step on the road to a successful shoot’ (Fisher, 2002). If the location is right, inevitably the product will look immeasurably better than if the location was chosen without consideration.
The key choices made in this project were the locations I would create the reports for. The way I chose these locations was by reading the script a few times and then trying to create an image in my mind of how I felt it would look on camera and then searching nearby places on google maps. Strolling the streets on google maps for an exterior location in nearby towns and villages, until I found an area that would suit the setting of the story. When I noticed Brayton I felt it had the right feel, after scouting the area I found a house that fitted perfectly with my vision and almost exactly replicates the storyboard I had created. The home owner was kind enough to supply me with information about the area and the street. A detailed floor plan was found online, so I could see where about the bathroom location was and what power supplies were available. I also found that the back garden was of sufficient size to accommodate any equipment needed.
‘It is important for scouts to look and act like responsible professionals when seeking permission to use a stranger’s home’ (Maier, 1994). I showed professionalism by asking permission of the homeowner, explaining what I was doing for the project and exchanged contact information. The impact of doing all this lead to me finding what I believe to be the almost perfect exterior location for the short film.
For the interior location however, whilst reading the script I visualised the interior of my father’s house. Although this may seem lazy to use for a location scouting task, it is the location I was imagining for the production, it fits with all but one criteria and the only downfall of this location is the hallway scene; however, this could be easily set dressed. I decided to use this location as it had more strengths than weaknesses in terms of filming possibilities. The impact of using this location led to me finding threats that I had not previously considered a lack of exterior power supplies for example. However, this also led to me visualising the script within the location and starting to plan shots in my mind just by standing in the living room looking around. I used this to my advantage and adapted my storyboard slightly to fit better with the location.
In conclusion, I felt that this production management task went very well. Upon reflection I now realise the importance of doing in person visits to the locations, to find if they are feasible for shooting in. I gained valuable insight into the area, and opportunities by talking with a homeowner. This inspired me to go on after this module is complete to go ahead with filming and try to create this short film as part of an external project.