Production Shoot: 17/11/12

We arrived at the abandoned, decrepit factory near Spotland in the morning and set up our equipment within close proximity of the areas boundaries. We filmed some shots of the building's facade, and a couple of long shots showing myself and Tom running from the area to connote some element of peril, though without delving into the source of that peril which forms enigma codes. Following on from this, we made the most of the drab, overcast weather by filming Tom and I roaming a road. Kieran manned the camera whilst I had to play my role. For the shot-reverse-shot Tom filmed me as we walked to look as if we were in real conversation, and I did the same for him. Furthermore, we shot a snappy fight sequence including Kieran and Tom. We worked together with me setting up the camera and trying to frame the scene properly  whilst the others coordinated themselves.

We did confront a couple of problems here, such as the sporadic rain showers which sometimes intruded upon the shots we were trying to create. It also meant we had to protect the integrity of the camera with our coats etc. whilst it rained which, given the on and off nature of the rain showers, became time consuming and equally irritating. Fortunately, what boded as another problem, soon became an opportunity to advance our project. A group of local kids came across our filming area and, instead of causing a fuss, suggested Tom to go with them to scout around the abandoned factory with them as they were familiar to the area, so he went with them while me and Kieran guarded our equipment and looked over some filming notes.

After Tom explored the building and gave us numerous ideas to discuss. Soon we were inside and making the most of this hidden gem of a location. Inside we met a group of men who were doing a photography project who also advised us on the buildings interesting areas. We even managed to employ the use of two of them to be in our production as the two gave us masks, and actually brought their own gas masks which we thought would really embellish the post apocalyptic themes we are going for.  I was in many of the shots including the conversation, running away from the factory and action shots, whilst also doubling up as a cameraman when needed. Overall, the day went well and we got the work done that we had planed to, with the addition of another unexpected but great shot. We have learnt that improvisation in a location is very useful to come up with creative ideas to add to the trailer.