The Importance of Location

Location I have found is just as important as the story. I have also rehearsed that the location can also effect the choice of shots I decide I want.

I had an experience on location while shooting that helped my understand this concept. I was certain I was going to use this shot. I spent the first half an hour shooting, with the thought bugging me in the back on my head, I realized that the shot wasn't needed.

However, by setting up the tracking for the surroundings, I was able to get a sweeping tracking shot of Stephanie watching her teammates play. This gives a sense of epic motif to this small tale, and gives gravity to the rising tension.

This shot was not planned, but it captured the isolation and the needs of the character. I learnt from doing this that if a shot does not go as I expected, it is not the end of the world. I took in the different factors and was able to create a better shot that enforced the narrative.

When I shoot for the final time on Friday I will focus on this idea. Rather than coming in with a particular set of ideas for shots, I will use them as guidelines rather than concrete ideas.

The Bedroom

I knew I wanted the bedroom scene in my film. because it would allow to see into the psyche of Stephanie. I wanted to capture what she was really thinking. focusing on the performances rather than flashy camera angles.

I focused on the lighting of the actors and the depth of field to make Stephanie seem narrow minded at the time. The lighting was important, too, as it helped make the scenario more dramatic, letting the audience become immersed with Stephanie's backstory.

The Park

The change of scene from park to park was a conscious decision made during the production process. I wanted Stephanie to miss scoring at a goal, preferably one she had created to convey the lack of materials she had around her. I wanted her then to miss at a real goal, one which was by physically intimidating. A friend of mine suggested Glazen Salts, and since I had filmed there previously I agreed with his advice and went down there to shoot.

I love the difference of the two scenes, from the surrounding nature to the flat and barren atmosphere of the field. These themes worked well together to clash with the school shots, where Stephanie is confined against her will. It gives the character a primal instinct to play football, and one which indicates to the audience her passion for her sport.

The Astro Turf

This was an important location for me to get right, as the idea of the final confrontation had to be done on location where the place looked intimidating. This would be helped through the teammates and the manager, giving the space a negative atmosphere.
This changed, however, when I had difficulties with the project. I had to change location suddenly, and luckily I had another option as backup. I didn't expect the other training groups to be around. However, this benefited the narrative better as the amount of people playing gave life to the narrative.