Blog #49 Filming Day 2 - Scene 10, Shots 1,2 & 4

 Scene 10, Shots 1, 2 & 4 are what will contain scene 10, shot 3, my big gore set piece of the film, so I must make sure these shots work very well together, and I must also make sure the lighting is completely controlled, so that when I shoot the practical effect later, the set will look identical, and the time difference will not be noticeable. One slight issue is that filming is now outside, so natural lighting is everywhere, however it is already nearly pitch black while filming these scenes, and it will be even darker afterwards, which should not be visible on film at all due to my lighting coming from my patio which I set up to shine onto Dillons face. 

In these shots the cultmember (Robert) walks back outside, kneels down next to Dillon (Gavin) and smashes the hammer down into his face, cutting to Anna watching. Simple shots but like the previous scene, I have to use my technical skills and post production editing skills to keep these shots engaging and interesting.

I actually decided to do a bit of a one/ long shot here, I'll explain further after going over the parts of it.

Cultmember walks towards Dillon - Mid shot - Tracking

Cultmember walks towards Dillon - Long shot - Pan - Tracking

Cultmember kneels next to Dillon, lifts the hammer over their head, and drives it into Dillon's skull. - Long shot - Canted angle

I chose to make this a one shot, so that I could build up the suspense and tension before the gore set piece; I don't just want to throw it at the audience without any anticipation. I decided instead of using fast cuts during this shot, in post I can be sure to find a great background theme to carry the energy from shot to shot. 

Anna watches as the cultmember smashes open Dillon's skull. - Mid shot - handheld

I am especially proud of the lighting in these shots, specifically how the light eerily casts onto the trees and plants while the rest of the background is completely black, showing there is no one who can see or help Dillon, black also symbolizing the color Dillon wears when he is trying to 'fit in' or be 'normal'.

I am very happy with these shots, and I think the final cut with full editing and the practical effects will be great.