In this project, our task was to create a video that has story-telling components. It had to be told in either in 3 or 5 acts.
This project required the use of multiple microphones and cameras, which allows for good looking and creative shots to give immersion to the viewer. To achieve this, our team used GO microphones for their portability and two Lumix S511/S's for their premium shooting quality.
Actor
Actor
Video Editor
Actress
Videographer
Conceptualizer
Videographer
Script Writer
Audio Editor
Actor
When discussing as a team, we initially wanted to do a horror-styled video, as most of the team members were a fan of that genre. After further discussion, we decided upon adding comedy elements through comedic and goofy scenes. This duality gave us an opportunity to make a story that will take the viewer through a rollercoaster of emotions, never knowing what to expect.
For the story, the first thing we thought about as a team was the setting. As we were going to film the project on campus, a plot involving school in some way seemed like the perfect fit. So, wanting to integrate some horror elements to the story, we decided on having someone following our main character, a student, making him anxious from feeling followed. To add to that idea, we wanted to add a comedic twist, in which the "follower" was just trying to be helpful.
Here are the key notes we wrote while planning our story
When refining and finalizing our story, we came across a problem; Our story lacked a motive. Without a proper motive for the antagonist, the story would confuse viewers and make the climax feel shallow.
In addition, while shooting, our biggest challenge was to keep the cameras out of the scenes. It was particularly challenging as we would often try to take multiple shots of the same scene, to create more dynamic and interesting visuals. It being the same shot meant we had to find a way to film the same area from different perspectives, all the while keeping the two cameras out of the shot.
The solution to our first challenge was to add what was missing; a motive. When coming up with one, we found that making the whole ordeal originate from petty jealousy would be a perfect fit for a student in a comedy-fuelled story; An insignificant inconvenience turning deadly. To fit this into the story without making the surprise twist too obvious, we filmed scenes that would act as flashbacks, while also putting a small teaser at the start of the video to intrigue viewers.
Concerning the second difficulty, We had to meticulously place the cameras and the videographers in a way that would keep the opposing camera hidden, all the while making sure that the quality of the shot isn't compromised by such adaptation.