Shoot on Friday 29th January 2016

The shoot went exceptionally well, but due to the hour long training scene I was not able to get all of the shots that where needed.

I wanted to get 14 shots in total, but after whether conditions and the tight schedule I was left with two options; get all the footage or focus on getting the best I could. I chose the later and immediately went to shoot the goal, as this was the most important sequence for me to shoot. I really wanted to capture the tension between the two players as Stephanie takes up her place to score.

The tracking did struggle initially due to the astro turf. The uneven surface coupled with the wind shoved the camera around. Fortunately, I was able to have someone guide the camera with me to give the camera added weight, making shooting smoother. This was a problem that I thankfully was able to overcome, and I felt the shoot was good enough to include as the opening shot in the film.

The tracking shots where successful in creating the effect of loneliness I wanted to create, even in the windy and rainy conditions. In retrospect, this gave the shots atmosphere in the buildup to the final scene. One shot in particular was improvised, where Stephanie is standing watching her teammates. The tracking was set up for her to watch her teammates, and I tracked out whilst moving the camera to keep the actor in the center of the frame.

Order of shooting:

Opening shot

Track along to a lonely Stephanie. This will include the titles of the actors in the film and the main title at the end of the film.

How this was achieved:
I set up the tracking along the substitute bench, making Stephanie look like she was missing out on training. This would leave the audience puzzled and want to know more about the narrative.

Thoughts during the editing process:
Overall I am impressed by the quality of this shot. I was concerned during shooting that the shot was too wobbly because of the high winds and uneven surface, but by adding on 'Warp Stabilizer' this solved out the small bumps I had issues with.

Penalty scene
A stand off between the goalie and Stephanie. This is the climax to the film where the audience will gain satisfaction over Stephanie scoring.

This shot I chose to create tension on the run up to the ball. As soon as Stephanie's bot collides with the ball 

How this was achieved:
I positioned the camera behind and in front of goal to cover the ground. This made the coverage of the goal easier for me in post production. The goalie and the actor ran through the shot four times for continuity reasons, while I took in the different angles of the scene.

Thoughts during the editing process:
I need to make this moment for enigmatic, as it feels too simple of a goal to finish on. I feel I need some reaction to the goal, and possibly people watching, such as snobby parents and the manager. This will create a emotional response to Stephanie who will finally be victorious over her doubts.

Problems while shooting

 After having shot this sequence ,I aware that the lead up to the scene would have to change, as I had caught the girls playing football in the background. This would not correlate to the narrative and would ruin the continuity. After debate, I concluded that the best way to deal with the issue is to alter the way in which Stephanie reaches the football goal.

Instead of having the girl's playing a football match together, I decided to change it to a training sequence. This would mean further isolation for the character, and a further impact to the character.

Next time

I feel that I need reaction shots in order to heighten the suspense of this final piece. I also feel I need some reaction shots at the beginning in order to link the idea that Stephanie is not valued as a teammate.

I plan to shoot again for the last time on Friday the 12th of February 2016. My main aim will be to give emotion to the scene in order for the audience to feel the joy of the main character.