So, we did the improv on the Sunday that just passed. Turned out to be a very productive session. Firstly, for me, I got a clear idea of the camera angles that I would use and, secondly, the actors got to meet for the first time and had a proper meaningful discussion about the scripts before they (sort of) acted them out.
The location, the second writer (right) and the first lead (left)
We used a recently vacated cafe under a friend’s apartment (the main writer of the script), which still had all it’s furniture and still had the feel of a cafe (even the tables were properly set with the cutlery and all). This was the location we were going to use for the main filming as well before I asked and got permission to film at an excellent second hand record shop/cafe near my university.
Our set up, or lack there of
Equipment wise, we were severely restricted. No viewfinders, monitors, rigs, steadycams, glidecams, etc. (a few things off my shopping list), or anything of that sort was used simply because we have none. All the close ups were done hand held (= camera shake) and two sets incorporated the use of tripods. I filmed using a Nikon D90 (I know, not the best choice for hand held filming. i.e unforgivable amount of rolling shutter) with a combination of a 50mm f1.8 for the close ups and a 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 lens at 18mm for the wide angle shots. Also, not having electricity didn’t exactly help when the laptop’s (we used it to review the clips) battery died.
One of the scene setups, the tripod behind the table will support the Zoom h4n that will be used on the actual day of filming
Reviewing the clips
Our second lead caught in character
As far as the actors are concerned, our second lead is a student of acting and has taken part in a lot of theater plays, etc. but never done any work infront of a camera. But luckily, that didn’t bother him much. Our first lead however, had never done any type of acting before. So getting him on line was a bit of a challenge, which we (the writers and I) delegated to our second lead.
Our first lead in character
Both of our actors clicked instantly and managed to achieve a good on-screen chemistry between themselves. Our first lead was having a lot of issues though. He was trying really hard to actually become comfortable infront of the camera with the whole ‘I have to act for an audience’ thing looming over his head which made things worse. We did manage to calm him down and got some good behaviour shots of him before we wrapped up. But, I am a concerned that he might freeze or something when we do the actual filming since it’s going to be filmed in a public cafe that is almost always busy with students of the near by university (to make things worse, he studies at this university). Other than that, I was satisfied, to a certain extent, with what he delivered.
The only picture of the main writer (right) since he was taking the pictures you see on this post
I figured, we’re not shooting a film for an oscar nomination or anything, it’s more of a visual exercise…but, it still has to be spot on! The writers wanted to get this script made since this was a concept they had for a long time and they wanted to get it out of their system. I loved the concept and just wanted to do something that’ll challenge me and violently push me out of my comfort zone. I can’t think of anything better. Not only do I have to film, I also have to direct. So it’s my cinematography and directorial debut, which just adds to the pressure and also makes it fun to do.
In my opinion you can never clearly see your mistakes till the time you put in everything you’ve got to the mix. Only then can you see the area’s you’re lacking in.
hasan ibrahim | Photography 